As of September 26, the Ontario government requires a specific COVID-19 screening tool be used in every workplace for workers and essential visitors. It applies to businesses and organizations, which means it includes charities!
Workplaces should use the screening for workers or essential visitors. Workplace place refers to staff (workers), and is intended to include contractors, students, or volunteers that conduct business or related activities. Essential visitors includes individuals providing a service who are not employees including delivery, maintenance or contract workers.
It does not include patrons entering a workplace.
It is mandated by regulation: “the person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall operate the business or organization in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on screening individuals.”
The regulation was issued under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA). The Ontario government extended all orders currently in force under the ROA to October 22, 2020. The ROA is essentially a legislative extension of the emergency powers the government exercised pursuant to its declaration of emergency (which was revoked July 24, 2020).
Ministry workers are invited to share how they are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic within their organization in our online community forum, The Green: COVID-19 Response Room.
The content provided in this blog is for general information purposes and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Every organization’s circumstances are unique. Before acting on the basis of information contained in this blog, readers should consult with a qualified lawyer for advice specific to their situation.
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