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As we approach two years since COVID-19 began circulating in our community, we recognize the sacrifices businesses and organizations have made to protect public health. While COVID-19 case rates across the province (amongst those eligible for PCR testing) are declining, the highly transmissible Omicron variant is still very prevalent in our community. We cannot let our guard down yet.
The emergence of the Omicron variant has changed how public health manages cases, eligibility for testing, and self-isolation requirements. While some public health measures have recently been removed, such as proof of vaccination requirements for patrons and capacity restrictions, many public health measures continue to be in place to prevent COVID-19 transmission in workplaces. Regulatory requirements for businesses and organizations are currently outlined in Ontario Regulation 364/20 (Schedules 4 and 5). We are writing today to highlight key changes and public health measures that remain in place to protect workers, businesses, and organizations.
Workplace Vaccination Policies
Southwestern Public Health continues to encourage workplaces to maintain COVID-19 vaccination policies for employees. Workplace vaccination policies will help safeguard your work environment and help us achieve higher overall vaccination in the population. Vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In addition, workplaces should encourage employees to obtain a third “booster” dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for greater protection against the Omicron variant. View our updated Guidance on Workplace Vaccination Policies for more information.
Rapid Antigen Testing (RATs)
Guidance on the use of rapid antigen tests has evolved over the course of the pandemic. RATs are more effective at detecting COVID-19 in individuals with symptoms of COVID-19. They are not as effective at detecting the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in individuals who are not symptomatic. One negative RAT in individuals with symptoms is not sufficient to rule out COVID-19 infection. Learn more with our Guidance for Rapid Antigen Test Use.
COVID-19 Screening
We continue to highlight the importance of daily employee screening for COVID-19 symptoms or exposure. All employees, even those fully vaccinated, should be screened for COVID-19 every day before attending work on-site or in-person. The provincial workplace screening tool can be found at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/screening/worker/. Workers who fail screening (by answering any question ‘yes’ in the provincial screening tool) must self-isolate and follow the directions provided in the screening tool.
Managing Symptomatic Individuals
At this time, public health cannot follow up with all cases of COVID-19 and access to PCR testing for COVID-19 is limited. Therefore, individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 must assume they have COVID-19 and self-isolate. More information on the management of individuals with symptoms of COVID-19, individuals with a sick household member, and individuals who test positive for COVID-19 (on a rapid test or PCR test) can be found on our website (see FAQ for Workplaces and our one page summary document).
Physical Distancing
Physical distancing should be maintained whenever feasible. Ensure the number of employees on-site is limited so that physical distancing of 2 metres between employees can be maintained.
Working from Home
Working remotely, in workplaces where there are cases of COVID-19 or high rates of employee absenteeism due to illness, is encouraged whenever feasible. See the SWPH IPAC Checklist.
Masks/Face Coverings
Face coverings that cover the mouth, nose and chin are still required and must be worn in all indoor spaces, with limited exceptions. Fully vaccinated employees must still comply with face covering requirements. Public Health Ontario recommends a respirator (KN95) or well-fitted medical mask to protect against the Omicron variant. The Public Health Agency of Canada has stated that some high-quality, three-layer non-medical masks can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 similarly to medical masks. No matter what type of mask you choose, proper fit is a key factor in its effectiveness. Learn more here.
COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan
Businesses and organizations must have a written safety plan by law. The plan must be made available to anyone who asks to see it and posted in a place where it will be seen easily. More information, including a workplace safety plan builder tool, is available here.
Resources for Business and Organizations
- Southwestern Public Health Workplace and Employers Webpage
- Infection Prevention and Control Checklist for Workplaces
- Ontario Regulation 364/20
Information and guidance regarding COVID-19 public health measures are changing rapidly; we commit to reviewing this letter and will issue an update by early April 2022 if there are changes to any of the recommendations above.
We truly appreciate all you have done to control the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace. We know it has not been easy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Joyce Lock, MD, MSC, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health, Southwestern Public Health
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