COVID-19 Information for employers and employees

Under the Reopening Ontario Act, all businesses and workplaces are required to have a COVID-19 safety plan. The Ministry has developed resources to help with this task including:

• Guide to Developing Your COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan
• The COVID-19 Safety Checklist for workplaces
• Resources for Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace

The Government of Ontario has created screening tools for workers and customers. Screening questions are available below:

• COVID-19 worker and employee screening Online | Download/Print
• Screening tool for customers or patrons Online | Download/Print

Note: Only the businesses and organizations outlined in the Reopening Ontario Act are required to actively screen patrons.

Businesses and workplaces have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment for employees and volunteers. The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect your workplace from the risks of COVID-19. Click here for more information on COVID-19 Workplace Immunization Policies.

For guidance on how to implement the proof of vaccination requirement, and a list of businesses and organizations that must verify proof of vaccination review the following:

• Proof of Vaccination Guidance for Businesses and Organizations under the Reopening Act

Employees who have COVID-19 symptoms, feel sick or are unwell, should:

• Self-isolate (stay home) immediately
• Notify their workplace and let them know they have been instructed to self-isolate
• Complete the Ontario Self-Assessment for further direction. This chart from the Ministry of Health can also be used to determine next steps- You have symptoms and are concerned you may have COVID-19. Now what?

Anyone who has been identified as a close contact/exposed to COIVD-19 should refer to the Ministry webpage Ontario.ca/exposed, and follow guidance on next steps including; testing (if eligible), self-monitoring, and/or self-isolation.

A high-risk contact (close contact) is:

• Anyone with whom the COVID-19 positive person came into close contact within the 48 hours prior to symptom onset if symptomatic or 48 hours prior to the test date if asymptomatic, and until the positive person started self-isolating
• Close contact means anyone who was less than 2 meters/6 feet from the person who tested positive for COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes or who had multiple short interactions (adds up to 15 minutes or more) without appropriate masking and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Adequate PPE in non-highest-risk work settings would consist of a medical-grade mask and eye protection.

Some examples of high-risk situations in the workplace include:

• Physical contact such as shaking someone’s hand, being sneezed or coughed on
• Working in the same office space
• Sharing lunch or break rooms
• Providing care to someone

• Ensure that all high-risk contacts within the workplace have been identified. This includes all areas of the workplace such as lunchrooms, other break areas (e.g. smoking areas), change rooms, carpooling, in-person meetings, shared office space.
• Close contacts should refer to: You’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and follow the guidance on the next steps including; testing (if eligible), self-monitoring, and/or self-isolation.
• Review your COVID-19 safety plan with employees i.e. infection control measures, screening questions before coming to work, use of adequate personal protective equipment.
• Review the COVID-19 safety checklist for workplaces:

Keep employees who are infected or exposed out of the workplace

• Have a screening process in place
• Send home employees who should be self-isolating due to COVID-19 symptoms, a positive result or who have been identified as a close contact
• Have a process to manage operations without employees who are infected or have been identified as a close contact which may include the need to voluntarily close the business for a period of time
• Any employees who can complete work from home should work from home
• Notify employees and workers who may have been exposed to COVID-19

Decrease the risk of contact:

• Follow all public health guidelines including; get vaccinated, using masks, maintaining physical distance
• Encourage employees to clean their hands frequently and when needed
• Increase fresh air through ventilation systems, opening windows and using outdoor spaces where possible
• Increase cleaning and disinfection
• Provide access to hand sanitizer, soap, and water

Post signage to remind employers of:

• Physical distancing (including decals, arrows etc.)
• Capacity Limits
• Screening and self-assessment
• Wearing masks
• Staying safe during breaks
• Hand hygiene

• Know when and how to report to the Ministry of Labor, Training, and Skills development (MLTSD) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

Workers do not need a negative COVID-19 test to return to the workplace after completing the full self-isolation period.

In light of the province’s position to begin re-opening business, the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU) requires all businesses to incorporate the minimum infection control practices into their service delivery and work processes.

If you have questions about your business operations during the emergency period, please use this form to assist you and the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit with those inquiries.

Case and Contact Management

COVID-19 Integrated Testing & Case, Contact and Outbreak Management Interim Guidance: Omicron Surge (Dec 30, 2021)

Workplace Resources

COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan

COVID-19 Safety Checklist for Workplaces

Resources for Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace

COVID-19 Vaccination Information