Learning to Live with COVID-19: Ontario Releases Amendments Setting Out New Requirements as of January 31, 2022
Learning to Live with COVID-19: Ontario Releases Amendments Setting Out New Requirements as of January 31, 2022
As Ontario continues to see signs of stabilization in key public health indicators, the Government of Ontario recently announced the next stage of the province’s re-opening plan, with several restrictions easing as of January 31, 2022.
On January 27th, the province released the latest amendments to O. Reg 364/20, and employers should be aware that:
- the work from home mandate will be lifted;
- all contact tracing requirements are removed – employers will no longer be required to record the name and contact information of employees and/or individuals that attend their place of business; and,
- requirements for businesses to maintain contact records and produce them to public health authorities upon request are consequently lifted.
While contact tracing will become “old news”, employers must nonetheless continue to passively and actively screen employees and visitors. Notably, employers are required to:
- Passively screen all members of the public entering their offices by posting signs at all entrances to their business in a visible location to inform individuals on how to screen themselves for COVID-19 prior to entering the premises; and,
- Actively screen every person who works at the business for COVID-19 before they enter the premises by asking them a list of questions relating to possible COVID-19 symptoms and recent exposures.
There are no changes to masking or physical distancing requirements and employers should still continue to evaluate their re-opening plans with regards to the requirements in the regulation.
Our Employment and Labour Group remains available to guide employers through the re-opening process.
by Marie-Eve Jean, Dave McKechnie and Ricki-Lee Williams (Articling Student)
A Cautionary Note
The foregoing provides only an overview and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are cautioned against making any decisions based on this material alone. Rather, specific legal advice should be obtained.
© McMillan LLP 2022
Insights (5 Posts)View More
Ontario (Might get the) Right to Repair – An overview of Bill 187 the Right to Repair Consumer Electronic Products, Household Appliances, Wheelchairs, Motor Vehicles and Farming Heavy Equipment Act, 2024
Ontario considers new right to repair legislation for consumer products and motor vehicles.
More Than Meets the Eye: The Legal Implications of British Columbia’s Agreement to Recognize Aboriginal Title Over Haida Gwaii
An analysis of legal implications related to the BC Government's agreement with the Haida Nation to recognize Aboriginal title over Haida Gwaii.
Lessons Learned from the TTC’s Ransomware Attack
Lessons learned from the recent investigation by the Ontario IPC into the effectiveness of the TTC's cybersecurity measures and ransomware attack response
Don’t Get Caught by Canada’s Patent Novelty Grace-Period
The key difference between Canada and other jurisdictions like the United States when relying on the grace-period for inventor disclosures.
Shifting Gears – Canada to Consider New Motor Vehicle Equipment Regulations to Help Prevent Auto Theft
Transport Canada announces plan to update safety standards to combat auto theft.
Get updates delivered right to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.