Working Conditions in a Pandemic

Elections Canada is closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its evolving impact. The following public health measures are intended to foster healthy and safe workplaces for election workers and electors. We will continue to adapt these measures based on the recommendations from public health authorities.

1. Physical distancing: Election workers will be required to keep a distance of at least two metres from other workers and electors and may be asked to manage crowds or capacity limits, as defined by local public health guidelines.
2. Masks: Election workers will be required to wear a mask (Local public health guidelines often require that masks be worn at all times in indoor public spaces). Elections Canada will supply non-medical masks, medical masks and transparent masks to election workers.
3. Face shields and plexiglass barriers: Elections Canada will provide extra protective barriers, such as face shields and plexiglass barriers, in addition to masks.
4. Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette: Election workers will be asked to wash their hands frequently, or use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available; cough or sneeze into the bend of their arm or use a tissue; and avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
5. Cleaning and disinfecting: High-touch, hard surfaces will be cleaned frequently with appropriate cleaning products or disinfectant.
6. Entry Register: All polling places will keep an Entry Register for contact tracing purposes.