Chamber News

Information was provided to the Chamber by Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, and impacts all employers/employees who have a workplace that does not already have a screening process in place.
On September 26, 2020, section 2 of Schedule 1 to the Regulation is amended by adding the following subsection: (See: O. Reg. 530/20, s. 1)
(3) The person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall operate the business or organization in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions issued by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health on screening individuals.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU:
Employers need to provide employees with a check-in survey daily.
Employees need to complete the check-in and ensure they are not exhibiting new symptoms that may be connected to the coronavirus.
Here is a sample document you might helpful – and of course, you should advise staff if they are exhibiting any of the symptoms associated with COVID (and not related to another condition), they should not be coming to the workplace.
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/workplace_screening_tool_guidance.pdf
If you would like to adapt this form electronically you might find this mobile form builder helpful https://www.cognitoforms.com/ 
This applies to any business or organization that is allowed to be open under Regulation 364/20.
The new wording is under the general compliance section of Schedule 1 -
General compliance
2. (1) The person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall ensure that the business or organization operates in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations made under it.
(2) The person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall operate the business or organization in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials, including any advice, recommendations or instructions on physical distancing, cleaning or disinfecting.
While the regulation does not specify record keeping requirements, our local Health Unit recommends records be kept for 30 days to align with other record keeping directives (e.g. restaurant patron information).
 As well, the guidance document states this only applies to workers entering a premise- not the public:
Workplaces should implement this screening for any workers or essential visitors entering
the  work environment.
This does not include patrons entering a workplace (e.g., customers entering a grocery store, restaurant, bar or other food or drink establishment).
 It also excludes emergency services or other first responders entering a workplace for emergency purposes. Further, essential workers who travel outside for Canada for work purposes should not be excluded entry on this basis.
 The HPEPH emphasizes their preference to educate our community and have asked me to forward this information to you directly so you are aware and may move forward in an environment of compliance.  As with all directives, offenses are subject to fines – and in this case, a “failure to comply” may be subject to a fine of $750.