{"id":92140,"date":"2020-12-02T14:47:42","date_gmt":"2020-12-02T19:47:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntsville.dopperonline.ca\/?p=92140"},"modified":"2020-12-07T11:41:22","modified_gmt":"2020-12-07T16:41:22","slug":"smdhu-medical-officer-of-health-clarifies-covid-19-expectations-and-exemptions-for-businesses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/smdhu-medical-officer-of-health-clarifies-covid-19-expectations-and-exemptions-for-businesses\/","title":{"rendered":"SMDHU medical officer of health clarifies COVID-19 expectations and exemptions for businesses"},"content":{"rendered":"

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In an updated letter of instruction to businesses and organizations, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Charles Gardner is providing revised information and clarification for businesses and organizations expected to employ additional precautions to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in work settings. Today\u2019s updated letter which replaces the original letter released on November 26, is a result of feedback received from various businesses and organizations.<\/p>\n

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The businesses and organizations listed below will be exempt from the letter of instruction as they are already following provincially mandated sector-specific legislation, directives and guidelines.<\/p>\n

\u2022 A licensed child care program that is in compliance with guidance issued by the Ministry of Education.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Health care providers and health care entities as defined in Section 77.7 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, 1990,<\/em> who are subject to the Chief Medical Officer of Health\u2019s Directives issued thereunder.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Personal care service providers as described in and regulated by the O. Reg. 364\/20.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Schools and school boards licensed under the Education Act, 1990.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2022 Schools and Private schools within the meaning of the Education Act<\/em>, that are operated in accordance with a return to school direction issued by the Ministry of Education and approved by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.<\/p>\n

Details were also added in the updated letter that expand on expectations around active screening of employees; physical distancing expectations and ramifications for close contacts of an employee diagnosed with COVID-19 if precautions have not been followed, and the use of physical barriers in the workplace for infection prevention and control.<\/p>\n

The requirement to investigate unplanned absences by workers for a risk of COVID-19 exposure has been removed, and replaced with greater clarity around expectations to exclude workers whose active screening indicates COVID-19 symptoms or close contact.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is important that workplaces understand and carryout the necessary precautions to keep their employees, customers and clients safe,\u201d said Dr. Gardner. \u201cThat is why I have issued updated instructions, effective December 5 at 12:01 a.m., and I expect all businesses and organizations to do their part and follow the instructions.\u201d<\/p>\n

The updated letter of instruction<\/a><\/span>, posted on the COVID-19 Operating Your Business Safely page<\/a><\/span> on the health unit website, outlines 15 measures that businesses and organizations are required to comply with as set out in the Regulations under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020. <\/em>Most of these measures are in keeping with workplace safety legislation that is already in place, and should not be new to employers.<\/p>\n

A key requirement is for businesses and organizations to appoint a Compliance Officer who is responsible for the implementation of a COVID-19 safety plan and compliance with all required and recommended occupational health and safety, and infection prevention and control measures.<\/p>\n

Among others, required measures in the letter include:<\/p>\n