Corona Virus Update 5/13

I have some hopeful news today. One of our nurses who had been very sick in ICU has recovered to the point where they could be moved to a step down floor.

As more members become ill with Covid-19, more questions come up about Workman’s Compensation, PTO, Short Term Disability, etc.As an example, we had one member get a note from her doctor that said she had Covid and probably contracted it on the job. The member had heard that workmen’s Compensation is often denied, at least initially, so they applied for STD instead. STD denied the claim because of what the note said. But it’s not a one thing or the other situation. In this case, they willfile for WC, and if initially denied, will use that denial form to get STD while appealing WC.
It gets complicated.

What members need to remember is to immediately contact your shop steward or rep or local leadership and they will contact me who will have our law firm contact and guide you.
This article about long term complications is one of the reasons your should file for WC.

Recovered coronavirus patients dealing with lingering medical problems, including heart disease

https://www.pix11.com/news/coronavirus/recovered-coronavirus-patients-dealing-with-lingering-symptoms-including-heart-disease

We are 67 days since our first confirmed case of Covid-19 in Connecticut. We are 7 days from a partial reopening.
Hospitalizations are down 31 today, to 1158
84 more have died, a total of 3125 Connecticut residents

The Four Locals of L&M/Yale held a silent gathering outside the union office this afternoon. Thank you to the Mayor for stopping by and for the fire trucks, police cars, and citizens who waved and honked as they passed. The message was this-we need PPE!

If you are a Connecticut Healthcare Worker, would you please take a minute to take this survey. It is intended for ALL Healthcare Workers, AFT members or otherwise. Thanks

John , Let us first thank you for all that you have taken on during this challenging time. You are facing a host of issues related to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) — and we want to help the public better understand them.  That's why AFT Connecticut has once again teamed up for a survey with NBC Connecticut Channel 30, who previously helped us raise public awareness of workplace violence issues. This time the focus is on how things are going for you and your colleagues right now — and the implications for the future of healthcare. Click here to complete the brief survey online by next Wednesday. Your responses will remain anonymous — unless you specifically choose to be interviewed by Channel 30 (the final two questions). Let us know if you do offer to speak publicly so we can help you prepare — and represent you in the event there are repercussions from your employer. Click here to send e-mail advising you're willing to be interviewed. (You can email me at jbrady@aftct.org)  We know you are being asked to do a lot right now. Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts on how this public health emergency is impacting you, your patients and your workplace. More to come, and In solidarity, Bill Garrity, RN Vice President for Healthcare, AFT Connecticut John Brady, RN Vice President, AFT Connecticut Jan Hochadel President, AFT Connecticut P.S. Click here for our AFT Connecticut website's Healthcare page for additional COVID-19 updates and resources. Be well my friends, John