Tushar Anandasagar
Partner
Article
Over the past fourteen (14) days, Ontario has seen a sharp increase in new COVID-19 case growth. On September 28, 2020, Premier Ford announced that the province was "officially in the second wave of COVID-19".
In an effort to contain the Second Wave, the province has implemented significant changes to provincial COVID-19 restrictions.
The province has extended all existing Orders made under the ROA until October 22, 2020. Premier Ford has indicated that additional Orders under the ROA may be implemented before October 22, 2020, particularly in respect of Regions with densely concentrated populations and increasing COVID-19 case growth.
On September 28, 2020, the Premier indicated that if public health indicators did not improve, a strategic return to Stage 2 restrictions would be considered.
Significant changes have been made to the health screening requirements for all workers and essential visitors attending at any business in Ontario. These restrictions apply across all Regions:
These new screening requirements do not affect or reduce any other current requirements, including mandatory face covering rules, PPE requirements, other applicable standards under municipal by-laws or under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.
In an effort to curb "outbreak clusters" in restaurants, bars, strip clubs, and other food and drink establishments, the province has amended the Rules for Areas currently in Stage 3. Effective September 26, 2020:
Current Rules for Events / Social Gatherings
In response to regional upticks in new case growth, the province has amended the Rules for Areas currently in Stage 3 for organized public events and social gatherings. In the province's news release, the province indicated that these restrictions are aimed at "unmonitored social gatherings" and organized public events (for instance, functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs & wedding receptions held in private residences, back yards and other recreational areas). The limits on the number of people allowed to attend an unmonitored social gathering or organized public event, across all Regions, are:
It is important to note that the new restrictions do not apply to businesses or organizations that operate in accordance with the Rules for Areas currently in Stage 3, which may continue to operate with the original capacity limits that apply to their operations.
Increased Compliance Measures
To support better compliance with public health guidelines, recent changes have made Ontario's COVID-19 emergency compliance mechanisms:
These changes have made Ontario's compliance mechanisms the most stringent in Canada.
For any questions you may have about workplace screening procedures, health and safety protocols, and other issues related to COVID-19, the Gowling WLG Employment, Labour & Equalities Group would be pleased to assist. To find out more about our Group, and how to contact a specific lawyer, click here.
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