Information for Businesses, Organizations, Operators, Employees and Volunteers

Employers have an obligation to maintain a safe work environment for their workers. To help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, all employers should address the need for a workplace vaccination policy. A workplace vaccination policy is an important measure employers can implement to protect their workers and the public.

Workplace Vaccination Policy Resources

• Modified Recommendations for COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Policy Memo
• Minister’s Directive: Long-term care home COVID-19 immunization policy | ontario.ca
• COVID-19: Vaccination Policy — implementation guidelines issued by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services | ontario.ca
• COVID-19 vaccines and workplace health and safety | ontario.ca

Rapid antigen testing is an additional screening method that can help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep workplaces open. Organizations can test on-site and get results in about 15 minutes without shipping to a lab.

Learn about rapid antigen testing and find out if your organization is eligible to access free test kits: Get free rapid tests | COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Ontario

Locally, eligible small/medium organizations can access free rapid antigen screening kits through the Owen Sound and District Chamber of Commerce. - Owen Sound Chamber of Commerce (oschamber.com)

For more information, this COVID-19 Guidance is intended for individuals or organizations conducting rapid antigen screening, in Ontario: COVID-19 Antigen POCT Guidance - English (gov.on.ca)

Remember:

• Rapid antigen testing does not replace public health measures such as vaccination, symptom screening, physical distancing, masking and hand hygiene
• In Ontario, some organizations, workplaces and communities are eligible to access free test kits through the Provincial Antigen Screening Program.
• You can hire or train people to perform testing. Training materials are available. The Ministry of Health has also provided a clinical endorsement for voluntary self-swabbing under the supervision of a trained individual.

Ontarians can now get a free rapid testing kit for at-home use. Expanding access to free rapid tests to the general public will to help detect COVID‑19 earlier and stop the spread of the virus.

Link to access free tests:  Rapid testing for at-home use | Ontario.ca

Know the facts about COVID-19 (Government of Canada)

How businesses and employees can stay safe while operating during COVID-19

Risk-informed decision-making guidelines for workplaces and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic (Government of Canada) 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian businesses

Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings (Public Health Ontario)

"Attention Visitors" Sign (Ministry of Health)

Physical Distancing Poster

COVID-19 worker and employee screening (ontario.ca)

General Preventative Measures COVID-19

Considerations for Celebrations

Provincial Face Covering Requirement Infographic

Public Health Ontario Poster Resources  (multiple languages) PHO has created the following resources to explain various COVID-19 terms and behaviours to the general public. These resources are available in over 20 languages and are complementary to the current public, public health, and health care guidance available on the Ministry of Health's website.

Public Health is pleased to provide places of business with the option of posting the sample signs that are linked below. Please note, posting of these signs are not mandatory and are simply being provided as a tool if the businesses choose to use them. We stress the importance of ensuring that kindness and acceptance is practiced while respecting individual exemptions to this order.

Resources

Be Kind Poster

We Can Prevent the Spread of COVID Poster 1

We Can Prevent the Spread of COVID Poster 2

Attention Poster - Order for Commercial Establishments

Masks Required Poster

Screening Poster

Jan 14 Provincial Face Covering Requirement

Capacity Limit Sign

Proof of Vaccination Required Poster

Proof of vaccination information and posters for businesses and organizations

For information and resources for businesses and patrons, visit Proof of Vaccination (publichealthgreybruce.on.ca)

• Information for Faith and Religious Organizations

These spaces should implement infection control protocols including appropriate cleaning and disinfection strategies.

Individuals in these settings should limit congregating in groups and maintaining safe physical distancing (the lower the number of people, the less the risk of transmission).

General Screening and Precaution Resources:

• Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Canada - Government of Canada
• Screening in Public Settings
• Responding to an Overdose during COVID-19
• Guidance for Community Food Programs

Community Care Agencies

• Considerations for Shelters

Supporting Those Experiencing Homelessness

• Infection Prevention and Control Guide for Homelessness Service Settings (Toronto Public Health)
• Guidance for providers of services for people experiencing homelessness (in the context of COVID-19)

Resources for Temporary Foreign Workers and their Employers

Guidance for employers of Temporary Foreign Workers regarding COVID-19 – (Government of Canada)

The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers - list of resources to support farm employers and workers during the COVID-19 pandemic (Includes resources in English, Spanish, and Thai)

Resources for Farmers and migrant worker library (pdf) 

Resources for Temporary Foreign Workers (video)-there are 53 videos in total in a range of languages and topics for ESL and Low literacy

Multi-Unit Dwelling Infographic

COVID-19 Guidance: Workplace and Living Settings for International Agricultural Workers 

Quick Reference Guidance: Isolation and Testing for International Agricultural Workers in Employer-provided Housing