On Friday September 25, 2020 the Government of Ontario amended stage three of the reopening plan. The amendment makes it a requirement that “Businesses or organizations comply with any advice, recommendations, and instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on screening for COVID-19.”
Effective September 26, 2020, the Ontario Ministry of Health issued the COVID-19 screening tool. The tool provides basic information and questions that organizations should use to screen their employees and essential visitors entering the work environment – for each day they enter the office. Effective September 26, 2020 Ontario workplaces are now required to screen employees for COVID-19 related symptoms and risk factors prior to entering the work environment. Employers are not required to screen employees working at home, unless they are entering the work environment.
Failure to comply and conduct screening in accordance with the new Screening Tool can lead to charges and fines. This does not apply to Patrons/Customers entering the workplace, or essential workers such as emergency services or first responders, etc., entering the workplace for emergency purposes.
For more information and a list of questions please visit the Ministry of Health link below.
Amendment – Rules for Areas in Stage 3
https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/58548/new-public-health-measures-implemented-provincewide-to-keep-ontarians-safe
Updated Jan 2021 COVID 19 Screening Tools for Business and Organizations can be found here:
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid19-cms-assets/2021-01/Guidance-Screening-Workplace-Jan7_EN.pdf