Question Period Note: Canadian Coast Guard – Testing of Crew Members

• The Canadian Coast Guard is committed to the health and safety of its members, while continuing to provide essential services to Canadians, mariners and our partners.
• The Coast Guard has implemented pre-screening measures and is directing crew members who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home, follow advice from public health authorities and get tested as appropriate.
• They have also taken health and safety measures at shore-based sites and onboard vessels, following the guidance of public health authorities, including stronger building access procedures, and additional cleaning protocols and procedures to follow in the event of illness.

Rapid Test Screening

• The Government of Canada has expressed a desire to introduce voluntary rapid testing of certain federal employees to help control the spread of COVID-19.
• DFO/Coast Guard is working with Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Treasury Board Secretariat, and our bargaining agents to ensure the deployment and usage of rapid tests is done efficiently and effectively, with the appropriate safeguards for privacy and the protection of personal information while still respecting provincial/local health unit requirements.
• Rapid test equipment will be an additional screening tool and will be used alongside existing protocols such as the COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire, verification of body temperature, social distancing when possible, and utilizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

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