Ontario has announced that it is extending the stay-at-home orders in Toronto, Peel Region, and North Bay-Parry Sound District, and ending the stay-at-home order in York Region.
On February 19, 2021, the Ontario government announced that it will maintain the stay-at-home order and all existing public health and workplace safety measures in the Toronto and Peel Public Health Regions and the North Bay-Parry Sound District until at least March 8, 2021, while York Public Health Region will transition into the Control (Red) level under the province’s revised COVID-19 Response Framework (the “Framework”) on February 22, 2021.
Previously, the province was tentatively planning to transition all four regions into the Framework on February 22, 2021.
After returning to the Framework, public health regions will generally remain at their assigned level for at least two weeks. However, during the two-week window, regions may be moved to a higher level based on the public health indicators and thresholds outlined in the Framework. Additionally, public health officials may immediately trigger an “emergency brake” and move a region to the Lockdown (Grey) level at any time.
Public health regions within all levels of the Framework, including Lockdown (Grey), may open for in-person shopping at non-essential retail stores, with new and modified public health and safety measures in place. Businesses and organizations will be required to:
- develop and post a safety plan;
- screen individuals before they enter their premises in compliance with the advice and recommendations of public health officials; and
- require individuals to wear a face covering and maintain physical distance of at least two metres, with limited exceptions (for more information on the revised Framework, see our previous blog).
Employers should also be aware that certain municipalities and regions in Ontario have passed by-laws and/or orders which impose enhanced requirements and penalties in addition to those set out in the Framework. As such, employers should review their workplace health and safety protocols to ensure that they are operating safely and meeting all local and sector-specific requirements.
As always, we will continue tracking COVID-19 related measures affecting employers and will post further updates as they become available to keep you In the Know.
This blog is provided as an information service and summary of workplace legal issues.
This information is not intended as legal advice.