School Closures due to COVID-19
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Last Updated – March 17, 2020 – 2:00 PM
The purpose of the school closure is to try to prevent further transmission of COVID-19 through self-isolation and social distancing. Public health experts are urging everyone to be aggressive in their efforts to “flatten the curve”. Everyone needs to take these actions seriously and stay safe.
I have a permanent, probationary, or term contract; will I be paid during the 2-week shutdown?
Yes, you will be placed on paid leave for days scheduled to work. Please note that if you were on extended sick leave prior to March Break, you will remain on sick leave until you have recovered. As well, if you had approved unpaid leave during the school closure, your unpaid leave would continue.
I was hired as a substitute and prior to March Break had reached "long term" status (taught more than 18 consecutive days replacing the same teacher.); will I be paid during the 2-week shutdown?
Yes, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Education have told the NSTU that substitute teachers who have reached "long term" status prior to the shutdown and would have continued in the same position but for the shutdown will be paid for scheduled workdays during the shutdown.
I am a day to day substitute teacher who had days scheduled to work during the shutdown. Will I be paid for those days?
Unfortunately, no. Day to day substitute teachers are encouraged to check with Service Canada regarding options for Employment Insurance. The NSTU President is advocating to the Federal Government on behalf of substitute teachers. The Premier of Nova Scotia also noted in the update briefing on March 16, 2020 that he was advocating for increased access to Employment Insurance benefits for Nova Scotians affected by changes in work availability as a result of the pandemic.
If I am on sick leave during this time, will sick leave be deducted for the duration of the school closure?
Yes, if you would have been unable to work during the school closure due to illness, sick leave will be deducted. If your current sick leave is already scheduled to conclude during the closure period, you will be placed on leave with pay.
Will I be able to cancel pre-scheduled leaves during the school closure?
If you have a leave scheduled during the school closure period and wish to cancel the leave, you should contact the employer to discuss potential cancellation.
Will the closure be considered a break in service for "long term" substitutes?
No, this closure will not constitute a break in service.
I have a question for Regional Office staff; how do I contact Regional Office staff?
Regional office staff are working but may be working from home. Email is recommended as a means of communication. Teachers should not go to Regional Office unless they have been requested to do so. Contact information for each education entity can be found on the entity’s website.
I was approved to attend a conference through Article 60; do I still attend?
All out-of-country travel under Article 60 has been suspended until April 30th. If you were approved to attend an out-of-country conference under Article 60 between now and April 30th, you should cancel your plans. You should submit any cancellation fees and/or out-of-pocket expenses for reimbursement to your Regional Article 60 Committee.
I am scheduled to attend a professional development session organized by my Regional Centre for Education, School Board, or EECD; do I still attend?
All professional development sessions organized by Regional Centres for Education, School Boards, or EECD have been suspended until April 30th.
I am a coach or staff advisor for an extracurricular activity; what happens to this activity?
All extracurricular activities are suspended until April 30th.
Can I go to school to pick up my personal belongings?
No, schools have been closed by the Employer as a result of the pandemic. You are not to return to school until directed by the Employer.
I was scheduled to attend the NSTU Retirement Seminar on March 24/25 in Halifax; will this seminar be occurring?
This seminar has been cancelled at this time. The NSTU will determine, in consultation with our partners, if the seminar can be rescheduled after the school closure is over.