CUPE was disappointed with the announcement of changes to COVID self isolation and close contact protocols within Saskatchewan. President of CUPE Saskatchewan, Judy Henley feels that with the current number of cases and hospitalization, the provincial government is acting too soon in easing the protocols.

With the current number of cases and hospitalizations, they feel the provincial government is acting to soon to ease protocols. She questions the rationale with the numbers climbing and the peak expected in about two weeks. Henley adds that the Saskatchewan government is not listening to the concerns of union groups like CUPE with the easing of protocols.

CUPE is concerned about the idea of not having to report to schools if a student has COVID, meaning no close contacts would be notified. Henley says the Omicron variant is very contagious, so not alerting others of a close contact at school means could spread even more.

Rob Westfield, chair of CUPE Saskatchewan’s Education Workers Steering Committee and a facility operator with Saskatoon Public Schools says many of their members work in close physical proximity with students, providing hands-on support and guidance for students with complex needs. He believes the mental toll of not knowing if you have been exposed to COVID-19 is immeasurable. (CKRM)