Managing Changing COVID-19 Requirements
The COVID-19 pandemic created unique challenges for businesses and individuals around the world, but as the province
lifts pandemic restrictions for public places, what are the workplace implications? Will government restrictions for
workplaces also ease? And if they do, should your workplace lift all its restrictions?
Not necessarily. It's not about throwing out the controls and processes you've put into place; it's about merging them
into a sustainable system. This way you have the flexibility to either ramp up again if COVID-19 case numbers increase
and guidelines are reinstated, or to loosen restrictions further when Public Health gives the green light.
Remember, loosening workplace restrictions requires thought and careful management. Before you decide what
controls to lift, monitor changing requirements, consider your COVID-19 risks, how comfortable employees and
customers will be with changes, whether pandemic controls offer other benefits to your workplace, and how you will
communicate the changes.
Guidance & Resources
What restrictions have been lifted and which are still in place?
Proof of vaccination and capacity limits were removed on March 1, 2022, which means that the requirement for
"needing to physically distance if consuming food or drink" was removed. This means that lunchrooms, meeting
rooms etc. have no capacity limits, and no requirements for physical distancing.
But it's important to remember that although some restrictions eased, some remain in place, such as masking,
passive screening, and contact tracing. All businesses that are open and operational must also have a current safety
plan in place.
The Ontario government has created an information line to provide additional support for employers, as
requirements continue to change. Please visit Stop the Spread Business Information Line to learn more, and for "real
time" updates!
Masking and Passive Screening
Guidance Resources
Although some restrictions eased on March 1, 2022, some remain in place. For
example, passive screening for workers and visitors is still required. Masking is also
still required until March 21, 2022.
Passive screening means workers and visitors need to self-evaluate if they have risk
factors that require them to exclude themselves from the workplace. Active
screening may still be appropriate in some circumstances and employers can
continue this measure if they choose.
COVID-19 Self-Assessment
Customer Screening Tool for
Businesses and Organizations
Worker and Employee
Screening Tool
screening guidance for
employers
