Ottawa 
Credit: Assembléetest/CC BY-SA 3.0
On Monday, March 16, 2020, François Legault, the Premier of Québec, and Jean Boulet, the Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region announced temporary financial assistance to Quebecers to encourage self-isolation in the wake of the rapid rise of COVID-19.
Under the Programme d’aide temporaire aux travailleurs (PATT COVID-19), workers who are not eligible for an income replacement program and who are isolated due to COVID-19 will receive financial support from the Legault government.
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Financial support will be provided for the duration of the 14-day isolation period. Eligible individuals will receive a lump sum of $573 per week.
Through a collaboration with the Red Cross, the government will pay financial assistance through bank transfer or by prepaid card.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT UNDER PATT COVID-19
If a Quebecer, who is under isolation or is likely to be under isolation, will receive $573 per week, if they meet the following criteria:
- They have contracted the virus or are showing symptoms
- They have been in contact with an infected individual
- They have recently returned from abroad.
AND
- If they are not compensated by their employer
- If they do not have private insurance
- If they are not covered by government programs, such as federal employment insurance.
François Legault, Premier of Québec, said, “I am aware that a lot is being asked of Quebecers. The various restrictions we announced have disrupted the lives of countless individuals, including many workers. The program we are announcing today will help us encourage those subject to confinement to comply with that measure. The last thing I want is for people to risk going to work when they should not due to financial concerns. If we all cooperate, we can succeed!”
François Legault government is hoping that this program will alleviate the concerns of those worried about a loss of income caused by isolation.
Alberta also has announced paid job-protected leave to its workers on March 13, 2020. Finer details are yet to be confirmed.
Currently, there are 50 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Quebec.
For all the latest information on COVID-19 in Quebec visit Quebec.ca
