February 3, 2021 by Israel Foulon Wong LLP
Screening Requirements
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health has published an updated Screening Tool for employers to follow before employees, or essential visitors, are permitted to enter the workplace each day.
At a minimum, the following questions should be used to screen individuals for COVID-19 daily:
- Do you have new or worsening symptoms or signs related to COVID-19? Symptoms should not be chronic or related to other known causes or conditions. (see the list of symptoms in the link below)
- Have you travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days?
- In the last 14 days has a public health unit indicated that you have come into close contact with someone who currently has COVID-19?
- Have you recently come into contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19?
- In the last 14 days, have you received a COVID Alert exposure notification on your cell?
If an employee or essential visitor answers “yes” to any of these questions, they should not be permitted to enter the workplace.
You can access the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Screening Tool and obtain further information HERE.
Take Away for Employers
Employers must take care to ensure that all individuals, including workers and essential visitors, are screened before entering the premises each and every day. Employers should keep a detailed record of all individuals entering the workplace in the past month for contact tracing purposes. Screening can be conducted through electronic or paper-based methods. The screening records should be maintained in a secure manner that preserves confidentiality and privacy. If an individual is denied access to the workplace, employers should immediately direct the individual to go home and self-isolate and the employee should be advised to contact public health or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
Israel Foulon’s Response to COVID-19
Israel Foulon is assessing the situation as it evolves and is taking all necessary precautions within its workplace. To slow the spread of COVID-19 and for the health of our team and clients, absent extraordinary circumstances we are working remotely until further notice whenever possible. However, please be aware that our offices remain open and are fully functioning. In the circumstances, we encourage our clients to contact us by phone and email to the extent possible. Voicemail messages left at our office phone numbers are immediately forwarded via email. All messages will be promptly responded to. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our clients and would be more than happy to assist you with concerns regarding COVID-19 or any other employment or labour matters.