The World Health Organization (the "WHO") has declared
the outbreak of novel coronavirus disease ("COVID-19") a
global pandemic. As of March 11, 2020, there have been over 122,000
confirmed cases globally, and over 4, 350 deaths, the vast majority
of which have occurred in Hubei, China. In Canada, the public
health risk remains low according to the Public Health Agency of
Canada ("PHAC"). As of March 11, 2020, over 100 cases of
COVID-19 have been confirmed in Canada, 41 of which are in Ontario.
One COVID-19-related death has been reported from British Columbia.
It is still very difficult to predict the full effects of COVID-19.
As the situation continues to evolve, business owners and employers
must face the unique and difficult challenge of COVID-19 and
prepare their workplaces.