A Community Fund Is Stepping Up To Give Ontario's Essential Workers Paid Sick Days

If you're an Ontario essential worker who needs to take a sick day, you can now apply for paid leave through a grassroots community fund.

The Ontario Sick Day Relief Project (OSDRP) offers applicants $160 per day for up to five days, depending on available funds, to those in need of paid time off in order to get a COVID-19 test, care for a family member with COVID-19, or self isolate due to positive results or the presence of symptoms.

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Funds are given out on a first-come, first-served basis and the project is "working on a model of community trust and the understanding that anyone applying is in need of financial support."

OSDRP was started by three Ontario women, an entrepreneur and two registered nurses, "who are invested in the health of their communities, and want to help support their neighbours."

Applications for paid sick leave can be submitted through this form and donations to the fund can be made on the project's website.