press release

Workplaces and COVID-19: Enhanced Measures for Improved Safety

Point Edward, ON – To reduce the risk of COVID-19 in our communities, the Government of Ontario is asking all businesses permitted to stay open during the province-wide shutdown to follow enhanced safety measures.

The Province has put these temporary measures in place to support the health and safety of customers and employees alike. Lambton Public Health (LPH) understands these enhanced safety measures may be a challenge, but we know if we work together we can get through it. Businesses can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 by:

  • Enabling staff to work from home when possible.
  • Observing face covering requirements and additional PPE where required (limited exceptions).
  • Ensure proper physical distancing in store and out, and in high-transmission areas such as break rooms and in customer service lines.
  • Have a safety plan ready and on hand.

Details on these enhanced measures can be found on the provincial government’s website – Enhancing Public Health and Workplace Safety Measures in the Provincewide Shutdown.

To ensure these enhanced safety measures are followed, the Province also started an enforcement program. Deemed “Stay Safe All Day”, the campaign will inspect workplaces for compliance. To date the province has identified the most common issues including not wearing masks, not having a safety plan and not screening people in the workplace.

LPH has a dedicated team available to support workplaces with any additional questions or concerns. Visit the COVID-19 Workplace section of the LPH website to access resources and a web form to submit your questions. Or call the Stop the Spread Business Line at 1-888-444-3659 if you have questions surrounding the impact of Provincial regulations on your local business.

We all have a role to play to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Limit all non-essential social activities, and stay home if you are sick. If Lambton Public Health contacts you, be honest and understand that isolating close contacts is critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19.

To learn more about public health’s COVID-19 response in Lambton County visit LambtonPublicHealth.ca.

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Please contact:

LPH-media-inquiries@county-lambton.on.ca