EVD is spread through coming in contact with bodily fluids of an infected person. People are infectious when symptomatic and they get increasingly infectious as they get sicker.

This is why health care providers and anyone exposed to aerosol generating events (including being in the vicinity where these procedures are taking place) have a heightened risk for EVD. Certain aerosol generating procedures in health care settings enhance the risk because tiny droplets can hover in the air and be breathed in. This is discussed in credible research by Lisa M. Brosseau and Rachael Jones, “Commentary: Health workers need optimal respiratory protection for ebola.” (Sept 17, 2014) The paper is available at http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2014/09/commentary-health-workers-need-optimal-respiratory-protection-ebola.

We use this paper to argue for the most protective respiratory protection. For this reason, Therefore OPSEU agrees with the other unions that all workers, not just clinical staff, should be protected with full-body and respiratory protection (biohazard suits) when coming into contact with suspected or confirmed EVD-patients or contaminated materials.

At this time, the MOHTLC has not provided any directives for community care, though this is expected to occur in the coming days.