COVID-19 Information: Workplaces, Employers, Employees
Ontario is now focusing on living with, and managing, COVID-19. This means that organizations, businesses and individuals must make their own decisions on how to protect themselves, their members, staff, customers and visitors from COVID-19.
Please note: Some groups may have separate COVID-19 legislation, guidance or public health instructions guiding their business or organization. If this applies to your workplace, follow the directions for your sector.
- For more information about isolation requirements visit the COVID-19: Exposed webpage.
- For more information about COVID-19 testing visit the COVID-19: Testing, tracing and results webpage.
Resources and managing risk:
COVID-19 continues to circulate and remains a potentially serious illness. The following groups are at higher risk of severe outcomes (long COVID, hospitalization or death) from COVID-19.
- People of advanced age
- People living in congregate settings
- People with underlying health conditions
- People who are unvaccinated
- Passive screening poster | Huron Perth Public Health
- Mask posters:
- Masks not required but welcome poster | Huron Perth Public Health
- Wear a mask poster | Huron Perth Public Health
- Managing the Risks of COVID-19: Operator and Business Tool Kit | Huron Perth Public Health, April 2022
PDFs from the Managing the Risks of COVID-19: Operator and Business Tool Kit |
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Proof of vaccination information for businesses and organizations |
On March 1, 2022, the Provincial Government lifted proof of vaccination requirements to enter certain indoor public settings, such as restaurants, recreation facilities and movie theatres. |
HPPH Recommendations for Employers |
The Letter of Recommendation to Employers was rescinded February 24, 2022. See Section 22 Orders and Instructions for more information. |
Rapid Antigen Tests |
For more information on rapid tests, including for workplaces, please visit our COVID-19 testing, tracing and results page. |
Employee and patron screening |
Effective March 21 2022, previous requirements for screening of workers or patrons are no longer in effect. Please note, businesses and organizations may choose to voluntarily implement their own rules regarding screening. However, they must follow any applicable laws (e.g., Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Standards) and should obtain independent legal advice should they consider doing so.
It is important to maintain a level of screening for staff to reduce transmission in the workplaces and for patrons to ensure they are well prior to entering the business. Difference between Passive and Active Screening:
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Supporting mental health |
The COVID-19 outbreak has caused anxiety, distress and other strong emotions in individuals, families, workplaces and communities across the globe. Visit the Province's COVID-19: Support for people webpage. |
Safety guidance |
Workplace safety plans are no longer required as of March 21, 2022, however, they remain an effective tool to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace. Learn more about COVID-19 and workplace health and safety, and how to develop your COVID-19 workplace safety plan. Other resources:
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Healthcare workers |
In addition to the province's support for workers page, visit our information page for health professionals. For information on how to self-isolate, visit COVID-19: Exposed. |
Food premises operators |
Please visit our COVID-19 Information: Workplaces, Employers, Employees page for information and resources to manage the risks of COVID in your food premises. |
Personal service settings |
Please visit our COVID-19 Information: Workplaces, Employers, Employees page for information and resources to manage the risks of COVID in your personal services setting. |
Frequently Asked Questions
For questions about self-isolation requirements and what to do if an employee has COVID-19, or has been identified as a close contact, see COVID-19: Exposed.
Where to go with concerns or complaints about a business or workplace not following COVID-19 recommendations/best practices |
If you are a worker:
If you are an owner/operator of a business:
Concerned community member: General questions about COVID-19 (e.g., cleaning & disinfection practices, masking, vaccination, etc.):
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Do employees need to wear eye protection at work? |
No, employees do not need to wear eye protection at work. However, a combination of masking and eye protection (i.e., face shield, goggles, safety glasses) will greatly reduce your risk of acquiring COVID-19 from someone who is unmasked when physical distancing (6ft/2m) cannot be maintained. |
What if my employee has been exposed to COVID-19? |
For more information about what to do if someone has symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed, visit the provincial Public health measures and advice webpage or our COVID-19: Exposed page. For more information about COVID-19 testing visit the COVID-19: Testing, tracing and results webpage. |
What if an employee travels outside of Canada? |
Requirements on testing and quarantining after international travel (including travel to the United States) are set by the federal government. Visit COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders for the most up-to-date information. |
What information can I share with my staff? |
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