All workplaces in Ontario are now required to screen all
workers, contractors, volunteers and outside service providers for
COVID-19 as a condition of entry to the premises. This new
requirement, effective September 25, 2020, comes amidst a rising
trend of COVID-19 cases in the province, and will likely attract
growing enforcement scrutiny from regulators and enforcement
officials as a result.
Amendment to Reopening Regulation for Ontario Workplaces
Pursuant to an amendment on September 25, 2020 to O. Reg. 364/20 ("Rules for Areas in Stage
3") under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to
COVID-19) Act (discussed in a previous
bulletin), the person responsible for a business or
organization must operate it in compliance with the provincial
Chief Medical Officer of Health's advice, recommendations and
instructions on screening. Failure to comply can lead to
significant penalties, including potentially fines and imprisonment
under the legislation.