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COVID-19 Updates | Daily Workplace Round Up for May 20, 2020

COVID-19 Resources for Small Business
Sarah Visca | May 20, 2020

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Below are the key announcements from the Federal, Ontario, and Alberta governments that touch on workplace issues for May 20, 2020. 

Federal

Updated Criteria for CECRA for Small Business - Application Documents Available Now

Application documents and updated criteria for Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses are now available.

The Prime Minister announced today that the program will be opened for applications beginning on May 25, and application documents can be accessed now on the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website.

CECRA will provide forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners, who in turn will give a rent reduction of at least 75% for April and May (retroactive), and June, to their small business tenants.

For more information, check out this news release. 

Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) Open for Applications

Finance Minister Bill Morneau has announced the opening of the application process for ("LEEFF"), a program to support Canada’s largest employers, whose needs during the pandemic are not being met through conventional financing.

The government’s support for large employers through LEEFF will be delivered by a subsidiary of the Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV). 

Additional information on the application process is available on the CDEV website.

For more information, check out this news release.

News! Public Health Agency of Canada now recommends wearing non-medical masks and face coverings

Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam said today that Canadians should wear a mask as an "added layer of protection" whenever physical distancing is not possible.

Tam said the advice coming from her office today is a "specific recommendation," while the previous language was "more permissive."

For more information, check out this news release and government guidance on non-medical masks. 

Ontario

Safety Precautions as Province Reopens

As Ontario prepares for the reopening of it's economy, the Ministry of Health has released the following face covering recommendations:

  • Wear your face covering safely and snugly to cover your nose and mouth, without any gaps. Ensure your face covering is made of at least two layers of tightly woven material and can be cleaned multiple times without losing its shape;
  • Medical masks, such as surgical and N95 masks, should be reserved for use by health care workers, those providing direct care, first responders and individuals who are ill and must leave their home for essential reasons such as seeking medical care, picking up medication or groceries; 
  • Face coverings should not be placed on or used by children under the age of two; anyone who has trouble breathing; and anyone who is unable to remove it without assistance.

Workers and employers may also consider using face coverings as an additional public health measure in addition to mandatory occupational health and safety measures.

To assist provincial transit agencies in protecting transit staff and riders in this new environment, the Ministry of Health is also recommending the following measures:

  • Physical distancing of at least two metres by admitting fewer passengers and using physical markers between seats;
  • The use of face coverings, particularly when physical distancing is not feasible;
  • Ensuring the availability of alcohol-based hand rub upon entering and exiting the vehicle;
  • Implementing engineering controls like plexiglass windows between drivers and passengers; and
  • Enhanced cleaning, particularly of high-touch surfaces.

Learn more about how to properly wear, clean and dispose of face coverings.

For more information, check out this news release.

Alberta

Strongest Safety Measures in the Country for International Travellers

The Alberta government is enacting the strongest public health measures in the country for international travellers to prevent the spread of travel-related COVID-19 cases.

During the first phase of the provinces relaunch strategy, travellers arriving at the Calgary and Edmonton international airports from outside Canada will be required to:

  • pass through a provincial checkpoint where they will need to complete an Alberta isolation plan. 
  • undergo a thermal scan, as elevated body temperature is a potential symptom of COVID-19.

Government officials will follow up with travellers within three days to ensure they are following isolation requirements and have the information and support they need.

For more information, check out Alberta's information for travellers and this news release.

 

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Sarah Visca
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.