Ontario closing at-risk workplaces to protect health and safety
Posted in: News Item
Date Posted: 2020-03-24
Organization Name: Province of Ontario
Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, the Ontario government will be ordering at-risk workplaces to close-down, while encouraging businesses to explore opportunities to continue operations through work-from-home and innovative business models.
At the same time, the government reminds businesses to put in place protocols for physical distancing and regular hand washing in order to protect the health and safety of employees and the general public.
Premier Doug Ford, joined by Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott, Minister of Finance Rod Phillips, and Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, announced the government will be closing at-risk workplaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“While this was a difficult decision, we trust that Ontario’s business leaders will be able to promote safety while carrying out business and protecting jobs,” Premier Ford said. “The grocery store clerks, transit and hydro workers and truckers are out there on the front lines making sure the people of Ontario continue to have access to the products and services they need. It is essential that their workplaces be kept as safe as possible so these local heroes can return home to their families worry free.”
Essential businesses include, but are not limited to grocery stores and pharmacies, telecommunications and IT infrastructure service providers, and businesses that support power generation, natural gas distribution and clean drinking water. Essential businesses are being asked to put into place any and all measures to safeguard the wellbeing of their employees on the front lines.
Teleworking and online commerce are permitted at all times for all businesses.
At-risk workplaces will be ordered to close by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24 and where possible, take the necessary measures so staff can work from home allowing operations to continue.
“Our government applauds the sacrifice and hard work of all Ontario workers and businesses, and will stand by them through this crisis,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We call on workplaces that remain open to be vigilant and to enforce the highest possible standards of cleanliness and caution as we continue the fight together against COVID-19.”
The list of essential workplaces can be found here.