COVID-19 Updates | Daily Workplace Round Up for June 3, 2020

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Below are the key announcements from the Federal and Ontario governments that touch on workplace issues for June 3, 2020. 

Federal

Transportation Sector Expands Requirements for Use of Face Coverings

Today, the Minister of Transport announced that in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19, Transport Canada is expanding the requirements for the use of face coverings by workers and others involved in the transportation system.

The following measures will be implemented through a combination of mandatory orders and guidance:

Aviation

• Expand the existing face covering / non-medical mask requirements beyond passengers to include some flight crew and airport workers.
• These measures come into effect at noon EDT on June 4, 2020.

Marine

• Issue guidance recommending that all workers in the marine transportation sector have in their possession a face covering.
• Recommend that face coverings be worn using a risk-based approach specific to the unique circumstances of the workplace, when physical distancing cannot be maintained, and/or when local authorities require it.

Rail

• Issue guidance requiring rail operators to notify passengers that they will be asked to wear a face covering when physical distancing of two metres from others cannot be maintained, or as requested by rail operators.
• Provide or make accessible a face covering to all workers in the rail industry.
• Ensure a face covering be worn by workers on a risk-based approach specific to the unique circumstances of the workplace, when physical distancing cannot be maintained, and/or when local authorities require it.

Road

• Establish a set of practices for the use of personal protective equipment, including face coverings in road transportation (i.e., trucking, motor coach, transit), in collaboration with provinces, territories and industry.

For more information, see this news release and backgrounder. 

Ontario

Ontario Extends Declaration of Emergency until June 30

In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario has decided to extend the provincial Declaration of Emergency to June 30, 2020.

The extension, under s.7.0.7 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, has been approved by the Ontario legislature and it's possible the Declaration of Emergency may be even further extended.

A full list of emergency orders can be found on the e-Laws website under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. 

For more information, check out this news release.

$150 Million Invested in Reliable Broadband and Cellular Service for Rural Communities

The Ontario government is investing $150 million in reliable broadband and cellular service to help create even more economic and educational opportunities in rural, remote and underserved areas of the province.

"By investing in reliable broadband and cellular service, we are helping to create greater opportunityfor our families, farmers and small business owners in rural and remote areas of this great province."    - Premier Ford

Connecting residents and businesses to the 21st century digital economy is essential for the provinces recovery after COVID-19. This funding is part of the province's $315 million initiative called Up to Speed: Ontario’s Broadband and Cellular Action Plan. 

For more information, check out this news release.

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Sarah Visca is the Operations Manager at ConnectsUs HR, a company that provides tools & resources to quickly set up a Human Resources department.  
You can contact her here. 

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