H1N1 Infuenza - York University Protocols -CHANGED

*** The following notice is sent on behalf of Sharon Hooper, Assistant Vice President, Human Resources and Employee Relations ***

On October 16th, 2009, a communication was sent to managers requesting that employee absences be reported to the Department of Human Resources on a daily basis to assist the University in monitoring absences related to the pandemic influenza outbreak.

On Monday March 1, 2010, the Pandemic Influenza Planning Committee recommended to the Provost, Senate Executive and Senior Administration:

1. the University cease the online tracking of absences of students and employees (due to H1 N1 or "flu like symptoms") and
   
2. the University revert to its normal practices of requiring physician's notes for student petitions and requests for deferred standing, and for employee absences as specified in collective agreements and Human Resources operating procedures.

The Committee made its recommendations on the basis of the following:

Public Health Agency Canada (PHAC) issued a statement January 27, 2010 that it had officially declared the second wave of H1 N1 influenza as passed;

• There has been no indication of a re-emergence of a widespread outbreak of H1 N1 over the past two months, and the likelihood of a re-emergence in the next several months remains low;
  
• There has been a significant drop in the number of reported student absences due to H1 N1 or flu like symptoms since early January; and
• Advice received from Toronto Public Health.

The Provost, Senate Executive and Senior Administration have accepted the recommendations of the Pandemic Influenza Planning Committee. In the interests of fairness and timely notification to employees, it has been agreed that the recommendations will take effect on Monday, March 15, 2010

As a result, effective Monday, March 15, 2010, the University will not require centralized reporting of absences and will revert to its regular practice of requiring physician's notes for employee absences as specified in collective agreements and Human Resources operating procedures. I would ask that managers notify all their staff that the University is reverting to its regular practices effective Monday March 15, 2010.

The World Health Organization continues to assess the level of pandemic alert for H1N1 at Phase 6 (full pandemic alert). The Pandemic Committee recommends that all members of the community remain vigilant with respect to level of awareness and flu prevention measures. In this regard, hand sanitizer dispensers will continue to be replenished, Flu Prevention notices will continue to be posted in washrooms, offices and in publicly accessible corridors, and custodians in academic and residential buildings will continue to focus on a standard of cleaning in and around washrooms
and in high traffic areas consistent with the current level of cleaning practice.

If you have any specific questions relating to procedures for non-academic employees, I would ask that you contact either Carey Barker, Paul Campbell, or Leanne De Filippis.