COVID-19 Information: Workplaces, Employers, Employees

 The majority of public health and workplace safety measures were lifted as of March 21, 2022.

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.

If you have questions about  impacts to your business or employment, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

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
If your staff or patrons consist of people in the above categories (or interact frequently with these groups), consider which measures  you can take to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread.
PDFs from the Managing the Risks of COVID-19: Operator and Business Tool Kit
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The Letter of Recommendation to Employers was rescinded February 24, 2022.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Effective March 21 2022, previous requirements for screening of workers or patrons are no longer in effect.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.

  • Use the Self assessment for individuals or employers who may want to screen themselves before work.

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:

  • Passive screening entails an individual assessing their own risk factors and deciding for themselves what to do (i.e., whether they may enter a business/facility or physically attend work).
  • Active screening is when someone else confirms that an individual has completed the screening and that the result indicates whether they may enter the business/facility or the workplace. An online tool is often used for active screening. Some applications allow for the individual to confirm the result through an email function.
    • Active screening is still considered best practice and is recommended to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

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:

 
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:

  • Review your employee rights to safety and emergency leave
  • We encourage employees with concerns to share credible information and the latest recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Huron Perth Public Health with your workplace. Other options you have include:
    • Review your workplace policy & procedures
    • Speak with your HR manager or consult with your health and safety committee, if applicable
    • You also have the right to contact the provincial Health and Safety Contact Centre
  • You can also contact COVIDintake@hpph.ca for more information

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.):
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?