On March 1, 2022, all public health regions in Ontario moved to the Roadmap Exit Step under O. Reg 364/20 to the Reopening Ontario Act. Under this last step in the reopening plan, any business that is open is required to follow the advice, recommendations and instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH), including any advice, recommendations and instructions:
- On physical distancing, cleaning or disinfecting
- Requiring the business or organization to establish, implement and ensure compliance with a COVID-19 vaccination policy
- Setting out the precautions and procedures the business or organization must include in its COVID-19 vaccination policy
- On screening individuals by, among other things, posting signs at all entrances to the premises of the business or organization, in a conspicuous location visible to the public, that inform individuals on how to screen themselves for COVID-19 prior to entering the premises. Note: active worker screening is no longer required but can be implemented voluntarily.
Additionally, a business is required to comply with any advice, recommendation or instructions issued by its local public health official prior to February 25, 2022 that relates to any of the above, except for any advice, recommendations or instructions related to vaccination policies. As such, a business is no longer required to have a vaccination policy, unless required under an existing or future direction or order from the CMOH.
Despite these amendments, the following remain in force:
- Any existing directives, policies or guidance applicable to long-term care homes; and
- Existing mask requirements and the obligation to have a COVID-19 safety plan. Employers should review their current safety plans to ensure they accurately reflect their current COVID-19 protocols.
For assistance with any COVID-19 related matter, contact your Sherrard Kuzz LLP lawyer, or any member of the Sherrard Kuzz team at info@sherrardkuzz.com. We’ll respond promptly.
The information contained in this article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice, nor does accessing this information create a lawyer-client relationship. This article is current as of March 3 2022 and applies only to Ontario, Canada, or such other laws of Canada as expressly indicated. Information about the law is checked for legal accuracy as at the date the presentation/article is prepared but may become outdated as laws or policies change. For clarification or for legal or other professional assistance please contact Sherrard Kuzz LLP.