This article sets out some of the emerging issues in
relation to the novel coronavirus outbreak and provides guidance to
employers as to how best to respond.
A novel form of coronavirus has been identified by the World
Health Organization (WHO) and confirmed cases have been reported in
both British Columbia (BC) and Ontario. The virus has been declared
a global health emergency by WHO. At present, the Public Health
Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated
with coronavirus as 'low' for Canada, but that risk will be
continually reassessed as new medical and scientific information
becomes available. As new information is released, many employers
are considering how the virus may affect their workplaces.
