ARTICLE · 01 JUNE 2020

Do You Have A Cough? What Can I Ask Customers And How Do I Protect Their Privacy?

Lawson Lundell LLP

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As businesses begin to reopen, many organizations will examine ways to protect their workers and attract returning customers.

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As businesses begin to reopen, many organizations will examine ways to protect their workers and attract returning customers. Various mechanisms to screen customers for COVID-19 risks will become more common. Examples include providing customers with questionnaires regarding their travel history, exposure to others, and symptoms, or temperature scanning before entry. Organizations will be permitted to screen individuals in a reasonable manner, depending on the circumstances.

Privacy laws continue to apply to the collection of screening information. Further, personal health information is generally considered to be sensitive. Organizations remain obligated to properly manage the collection, use and disclosure of their customers' personal information. We have outlined some guidelines for additional screening below.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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