York Region orders workplaces to increase efforts in COVID-19 fight

York Region is ordering all businesses to commit to workplace COVID-19 screening and comply with other safety measures.

Acting medical officer of health Dr. Richard Gould issued a letter of instruction effective today, Oct. 18, that states employers must assist public health in workplace COVID-19 measures, such as: ensuring updated contact information for all workers can be provided within 24 hours of a request; co-operating with public health representatives and allowing them entry; and ensuring workers conduct COVID-19 screening. 

“I sincerely thank employers and operators for your diligence and efforts to help keep our York Region communities safe,” Gould said in the letter. “It is important, however, that we remain vigilant to prevent further transmission of COVID-19, particularly with the increase of the COVID-19 Delta variant.”

Under the provincial Reopening Ontario Act, workplaces can be fined for non-compliance, from up to $100,000 for individuals and up to $10 million per for corporations per day.

The letter also asks workplaces to make information available to public health about COVID-19 vaccinations, and to collaborate on vaccination measures upon request. 

“Workplaces can help encourage vaccinations by creating a supportive environment that makes it easy for workers to get vaccinated,” Gould said.

According to its most recent update, Oct. 14, York Region has two active workplace outbreaks. Throughout the pandemic, more than 5,200 workplace cases have been confirmed in York Region, with 21 related deaths.

In his update, Gould also highlighted changes to school screening rules to reduce requirements for less-common symptoms like a runny nose. But he said people should be mindful of the season.

“With the cold and flu season upon us, staying home when any symptoms develop and getting a proper test at an assessment centre is what we all need to do,” Gould said. 

He also discussed the QR-code-based stage of Ontario’s vaccination verification system. He noted businesses can download the free Verify Ontario app on IOS and Android devices to start scanning vaccination certifications via phone.

“This makes it quicker and easier for businesses to confirm visitors have been fully vaccinated,” Gould said. 

Workplace screening is available at covid-19.ontario.ca/screening/worker.