COVID-19 Information: Workplaces, Employers, Employees
Last updated: 4:50 p.m. EST, Feb. 23, 2021
As of April 8, 2021, at 12:01 a.m., a Stay-at-Home order is in effect for all of Ontario, including Huron Perth. This means that you must stay at home and only go out for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated or for testing), for outdoor exercise, attending school, or for work that cannot be done remotely.
Learn more about the public health measures and restrictions during the state of emergency and Stay-at-Home order.
Updated Instructions and Toolkit for Employers
Update: Under their Symptoms, Screening & Testing Resources the Ministry of Health has changed the COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces (Businesses & Organizations).
This guidance document has been replaced with two separate documents/online tools issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health:
- COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces (worker & employee screening)
- COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces (patron screening)
Changes to the screening tool include the addition of certain symptoms, as well as a separate screening tool for individuals who are under the age of 18.
The person responsible for a business or organization that is permitted to be open under O. Reg. 82/20: Rules for Areas in Stage 1 must screen workers for COVID-19 before they go to work or start their shift each day. Additionally, businesses and organizations that are permitted customers at this time, must at minimum be passively screening patrons; however, active screening of customers prior to entry is considered a best practice.
For more information about the provincial emergency order or how emergency measures impact your business, please contact the Ontario Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.
On Nov. 12, 2020, Huron Perth Public Health released updated Public Health Instructions to Persons Responsible for a Business or Organization permitted to be open under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA) and related Regulations, or otherwise.
It is recommended that you consult with the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development (1-877-202-0008), who may have further requirements for your workplace.
- Step-by-Step COVID-19 Prevention: Business and Organization Tool Kit | March 8, 2021
- FAQ: Updated Instructions and Toolkit
- Discussion Guide for Owners and Operators
PDFs from the Step-by-Step COVID-19 Prevention Toolkit |
|
Safety: general sector-specific guidance |
Learn how to develop your COVID-19 workplace safety plan. Ontario has released safety guidelines for specific sectors to protect workers, customers and the general public from COVID-19 as it prepares for a gradual reopening of the provincial economy. Please see the Ministry of Health's COVID-19 Guidance: Essential Workplaces as well sector-specific guidance below. Guidance notes Please see the provincial guidance notes for the following sectors:
Guidance documents from Health and Safety Associations See the technical sector guidance documents for information on specific industries, such as agriculture, retail, and manufacturing. Sources: The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association Workplace Safety and Prevention Services |
Occupational health and safety: tip sheets |
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is offering Pandemic COVID-19 tip sheets for the following sectors.
Each document offers health and safety tips and good practices, for both employers and workers, specific to each industry or sector. Organizations and businesses can adopt this guidance to protect their workers and prevent the spread of infections. |
Public health measures in the workplace |
To prevent COVID-19 in the workplace, organizations must focus on the following areas:
Screening
Physical Distancing Effective measures must be in place at all organizations to maintain 2 metres physical distancing amongst all employees and customers, to the fullest extent possible, to limit the number of people you and your employees come into close contact with. Ways to enable workers and/or volunteers to maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres/6 feet from other people in the business or organization include:
For staff you can consider encouraging:
For customers or visitors:
Cleaning and Disinfection
Personal Hygiene
Masks
|
Supporting mental health |
The COVID-19 outbreak has caused anxiety, distress and other strong emotions in individuals, families, workplaces and communities across the globe. To support mental health in the workplace, review Managing Through COVID-19 [Ottawa Public Health] for recommendations on how to protect and support mental health and safety. Visit our COVID-19 and mental health page to learn more about local help available and other mental health resources for individuals. |
Healthcare workers |
In addition to the province's support for workers, visit the Ministry of Health's guidance for the healthcare sector as well as our information page for health professionals. For information on how to self-isolate, visit our self-isolation information page. |
Food Premises Operators |
Please see the latest information and guidance for Food Premises Operators. |
Personal Service Settings |
Please see the latest information and guidance for operators of Personal Service Settings. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my workplace is not following public health directions related to COVID-19? |
|
What if my employee is being tested for COVID-19? |
|
What if my employee is confirmed positive for COVID-19? |
|
One of my employees is a household contact of someone being tested for COVID-19, can my employee still come to work? |
Case and contact management guidance has been updated because of the easier spread of Variants of Concern (VOCs)
Learn more about Variants of Concern. |
Should employers require sick notes from employees? |
Some employers have requested notes from employees, either confirming the employee has tested positive for COVID-19 or confirming they have been cleared to return to work. The Public Health Agency of Canada asks employers to consider suspending the need for medical notes to return to work, as it reduces the burden on an already stressed health care system. |
Do I need a clearance swab before I return to work? |
|
When can employees who have recovered from COVID-19 return to work? |
|
What if someone in our workplace has travelled outside the country? |
Employers are obligated to ensure a healthy and safe workplace for all of their employees. Keep updated with the latest information, follow the latest travel recommendations and inform your staff. Before travelling: Please note: the Government of Canada advises Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice. Returning to work after travel:
|
What information can I share with my staff? |
|