4. Learn about infectious disease emergency leave
Question and answer
Can I take time off work if I get sick or injured?You can take infectious disease emergency leave if:
- you're getting a COVID-19 vaccine or getting better from side effects of the vaccine
- you're being treated for COVID-19
- your doctor or a public health authority tells you to isolate yourself
- your employer orders you to stay home because you might spread COVID-19 at work
You might also be able to take this leave if you have to care for a family member because of COVID-19. For example, you have to take your parent to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Your employer does not have to pay you for the leave, unless you have a contract or workplace policy that says they do. Read more in the Answer under the heading Getting paid.
How long you can take
You can take as many days of leave as you need. But you can take the leave only for as long as you need it. You must return to work once you get better or no longer have to care for your family member.
You can take the leave as many times as you need.
Tell your employer
Tell your employer as soon as you know you need to take a leave.
If you must start your leave before talking to your employer, contact them as soon as you can.
It's a good idea to tell your employer in writing. You can send an email, text message, or letter.
If you speak to your employer in person or by phone, send them a written note right after. Include what you told them and when. That way, you have proof that you told your employer. This will help if your employer tries to punish you for taking time off work.
Proving you need the leave
Your employer can ask for “reasonable” proof that you need to take infectious disease emergency leave. What's reasonable depends on things like:
- how long you need the leave to be
- any past leaves you had or other periods where you were off work
- whether you can get proof of why you need the leave
- how much it would cost to get proof
The law says your employer cannot require you to get a medical note from a doctor, nurse, or psychologist.
Your employer can only require other proof for your leave. For example, they can ask for a hospital bracelet or an email showing the time of your vaccination appointment.