COVID-19 Resources for Workplaces and Employers

Workplace Vaccination Policies

Southwestern Public Health encourages all workplaces to develop or maintain employee vaccination policies. All businesses and organizations should encourage employees to obtain COVID-19 booster doses as suggested by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. Visit our vaccine webpage for clinic availability

• Letter of Recommendation for Workplace Vaccination Policies (Issued September 20, 2021) 
• Guidance for Workplace Vaccination Policies (SWPH)

 Screening Resources

Neither active nor passive screening of patrons or employees is required. However, active screening is one way to ensure that employees stay home if they are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Southwestern Public Health suggests that workplaces have all employees and volunteers use a screening tool, if one or more of the following applies to them:

• They have symptoms consistent with COVID-19
• They are a close contact of a suspect COVID-19 case
• They have a household member who is ill
• They have travelled outside of Canada
• They plan to visit a vulnerable individual

• COVID-19 Online Worker and Employee Screening (Ministry of Health)
• Visitor Screening Sign (SWPH)

Personal Protective Equipment and Face Coverings

Early evidence demonstrates that the implementation of mask mandates in community settings was associated with reductions in COVID-19 case growth (Public Health Ontario, March 2022).

As of June 11, 2022, face coverings/masks are no longer required in most public places in Ontario. However, workplaces should strongly consider implementing and/or maintaining a face mask policy for indoor public settings.

At Southwestern Public Health we encourage individuals, community organizations and workplaces to make decisions based on the risk of the individuals around them. We have updated two documents with public health principles for protecting our most vulnerable citizens. One document is geared to workplaces and community settings,  and the other is geared to individuals. 

Proper mask fit determines effectiveness. Learn more about types of masks and respirators.

• Signage: Simple Face Covering Poster

• Using Masks in the Workplace

Rapid Antigen Testing

Rapid antigen testing is an additional screening method that can help to identify cases of COVID-19 early, before they are spread to others.

Organizations can test and get results in about 15 minutes on-site. Some organizations, workplaces and communities in Ontario may be able to access free test kits through the Provincial Rapid Antigen Screening Program. Small and medium sized organizations can also access free rapid antigen screening kits through local Chamber’s of Commerce. 

The province has developed COVID-19 Guidance: Considerations for Antigen Point-of-Care Testing that provides more information to workplaces.

Rapid antigen testing is not a replacement for following public health measures such as COVID-19 vaccination, wearing a face covering, physical distancing, and staying home when sick.

Learn more: Guidance for Rapid Antigen Test Use (SWPH)

General Guidance on Public Health Measures

Businesses and organizations can review Ontario Regulation 364/20 (Schedules 4/5) for a full list of restrictions currently in place in Ontario.

Southwestern Public Health Resources

• Public Health Principles for Living with COVID-19 and Protecting the Most Vulnerable Citizens (SWPH)
• Infographic: Keeping Businesses Safe During COVID-19 (SWPH)

Provincial Resources

• Workplace Safety Plan Information (Ontario)
• Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Support for Workers website
• Ministry of Health: Support for Businesses including the Business Information Line
• Infographic: Coping with Stress during the COVID-19 Outbreak
• Cleaning and Disinfection of Public Spaces (PHO) 

Workplace Outbreak Resources

• COVID-19 Guidance for Workplace Outbreaks (Ministry of Health)
• COVID-19 Guidance for Workplace Outbreak Management (SWPH)

Guidance for Seasonal Farms

• Multiple Housing Cohorting Plan 
• Video: Preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace (Spanish)
• Signage: Infographic: Physical Distancing for Farm Workers (English)
• Signage: Physical Distancing Poster (Spanish)

For more information on managing seasonal housing, visit our seasonal housing page.

Signage

• Physical Distancing Poster
• Visitor Screening Sign
• Wash Your Hands Poster
• How to Wash Your Hands Poster
• Ontario: Posters for Your Workplace (variety of topics, languages)
• Meal and Breakroom Infographic

Infection Prevention and Control Resources

• Mixing of Bleach Solution for Disinfecting
• Southwestern Public Health Infection Control Resources & Information
• Workplace PPE Supplier Directory
• Cleaning & Disinfection in Public Spaces
• Video: How to properly put on and take off a cloth mask
• Alternative PPE Supplier List

Financial Relief

• Government of Ontario COVID-19 Support for Businesses
• Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit
• Community Futures Oxford Business Resource Centre Regional Relief Recovery Fund
• Elgin Business Resource Centre Regional Relief Recovery Fund