October 5, 2022
I know we are all hopeful that the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us.
Unfortunately, public health authorities are virtually unanimous in cautioning that there is still the possibility of a future resurgence in cases this fall or of a new variant of concern.
They continue to urge that individuals remain up to date with the recommended vaccinations, including booster doses when eligible, and keep up with personal protective habits such as handwashing, wearing high quality and well-fitted masks in poorly ventilated and crowded places, and staying home if they have symptoms.
For employers, there is the continuing obligation to provide a safe workplace.
The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has updated its workplace masking guidance to include additional information about mask fit and filtration.
They have put together a very complete document which offers practical information for employers to help understand what makes masks more effective so you can:
- make decisions about the use of masks in your workplace
- develop or update workplace safety plans and related policies and
- be prepared to respond quickly and minimize disruption from future waves of COVID-19
The document can be found at this link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/using-masks-workplace
I hope you find this information helpful.Please contact me with any questions you may have or for assistance working through your staffing matters.