A Manitoba postal worker and the union that represents him says Canada Post isn’t doing enough to protect workers from COVID-19 in the midst of an upswing of cases.

John Penny has worked for Canada Post for more than 10 years. Now 67, and suffering from a lung condition, the Winnipegger’s doctor told him his work environment must have a mandatory mask policy and enforced physical distancing because he’s at a heightened health risk.

Even with a note from his doctor, Penny said he hasn’t been approved for leave from his job.

“It keeps me awake at night. I’m really in a quandary as to what I should be doing,” he said, adding it’s especially concerning lately, as Winnipeg has 275 active cases of COVID-19.

“It’s about the worst possible timing now that we’re getting back to the indoor season and the schools are all back in there. This is going to ramp up severely,” Penny said.

The asthmatic man does everything he can — he wears a mask at work at all times and practices physical distancing — but he said many people at his work don’t wear a mask and sometimes people get too close for comfort.

Penny has contemplated quitting his job to go on short term disability, but he’s not sure he’d be approved.

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