Guidance for workplaces (COVID-19)

Workplaces should continue to take proper precautions to protect their staff and patrons.

Learn about general guidance for workplaces during COVID-19. Sector-specific health and safety measures (Government of Ontario) are outlined in the provincial guidance documents from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination

Businesses and other settings may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination. An enhanced vaccine certificate, with scannable QR code, is available along with a verification app for businesses. It is recommended that highest-risk organizations continue to use proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

For more information, visit the Government of Ontario’s proof of COVID-19 vaccination page.

Masks and face coverings

Wearing a mask is an important way to protect yourself and others. Individuals should continue to wear a well-fitted mask if they feel it is right for them, are at high risk for severe illness, are recovering from COVID-19, have recently had symptoms of the virus, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19.

As an additional layer of protection for the most vulnerable, wearing a well-fitted mask will still be required in long-term care and retirement homes. Wearing a mask is also recommended in acute care and congregate living settings, such as shelters and group homes.

Organizations or businesses may implement their own masking policies.

Expectations for all businesses

Businesses must take measures to protect employees and patrons and operate in accordance with all applicable laws including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations made under it. The Government of Ontario has sector specific guidelines to prevent COVID-19 and additional guidelines for COVID-19 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Employers (workplaces)

Employers must take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. As an employer you should:

Advise employees to stay home when ill and consult ontario.ca/exposed to learn about what to do next.
Remind employees to wash their hands often and when visibly dirty for 15 seconds.
Use hand sanitizer when handwashing is not possible.
Remind employees to continue following proper sneezing etiquette and to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.

Employees

Employees must take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. As an employee you should:

Wash your hands often and when visibly dirty for 15 seconds.
Use hand sanitizer when handwashing is not possible.
Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm or a tissue, throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home if you are sick and visit ontario.ca/exposed to learn what to do next.

Workplace resources

Face covering sign (PDF, 153.3 KB)
Symptomatic: Do not enter sign (PDF, 283.9 KB)
Workplace vaccine confidence poster (PDF, 273 KB)
COVID-19 vaccine rolling ads (PDF, 3.9 MB)
COVID-19 workplace guidance (Government of Ontario)
Managing through COVID-19: How to support your employee’s mental health (PDF, 531 KB)
Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce resources, toolkits, and information-sources

For additional resources for businesses during COVID-19, visit our COVID-19 resources page.

This item was last modified on February 28, 2023