CUPE is calling for better protection for all health care workers who work in an environment where they will be in close proximity to patients who have or may have the virus.

President Sherry Hillier says they should have N95 respirators or higher models with better protection than what is currently used.

She says the health care classifications include all hospital, long-term care, and community-based care work. CUPE also wishes to have paramedics, ambulance attendants, firefighters, home support workers and community health care workers included in that category.

There are a number of respiratory protection products on the market, not all of which offer the same level of protection.