COVID-19 Updates | Weekend Workplace Round Up for June 6, 7 & 8, 2020
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Below are the key announcements from the Federal, Ontario, and Alberta governments that touch on workplace issues for June 6, 7 & 8, 2020.
Federal
$1.1 Million in Additional Funding for National Disability Organizations
On June 6, the federal government announced an additional $1.1 million in funding to support national disability organizations through the Social Development Partnership Program – Disability Component to enhance their communications and engagement activities to better address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on persons with disabilities.
This funding is in addition to the supports previously announced on June 5, which include a one-time payment of up to $600 to certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit, a new investment of $15 million to create a National Workplace Accessibility Stream through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, as well as new investments through the Accessible Technology Program.
Check out this news release for more information.
Ontario
Temporary Ban on Commercial Evictions
The Ontario government announced today that it intends to protect commercial tenants from being locked out or having their assets seized by their landlords due to the negative impacts of COVID-19.
The government intends to introduce changes to the Commercial Tenancies Act to temporarily halt evictions of businesses that are eligible for federal or provincial rent assistance programs such as CECRA, reverse evictions that occurred on or after June 3, 2020 and make it illegal to evict a commercial tenant until August 31, 2020.
CECRA for small businesses provides forgivable loans to eligible commercial landlords to help cover 50% of commercial rent for tenants for the months of April, May and June 2020.
The tenant will be responsible for covering up to 25% of rent, so that up to 75% of the rent is covered. Tenants and landlords can learn how much they may be eligible for by visiting this webpage.
Check out this news release for more information.
Emergency Orders Extended until June 19
On June 6, 2020, the Ontario government announced the extension of all previously issued emergency orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
Those orders have been extended to June 19, 2020 and include the orders respecting the closure of non-essential workplaces.
Click here for a full list of emergency orders that have been extended until June 19, 2020.
More Businesses and Services Permitted to Reopen on June 12
In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and local health officials, the Ontario government is easing restrictions in communities where it is safe to do so.
Effective Friday, June 12, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., the province will increase the limit on social gatherings from five to 10 people across the province, regardless of whether a region has moved to Stage 2. Additionally, all places of worship in Ontario will also be permitted to open with physical distancing in place and attendance limited to no more than 30% of the building capacity to ensure the safety of worshippers.
Click here for a full list of businesses and services permitted to reopen with proper health and safety measures in place in regions entering Stage 2.
Learn more about Stage 2 of reopening Ontario.
Alberta
Virtual Physician Visits to Become Permanent
Effective immediately, new billing codes for “virtual” patient visits via telephone and video calls introduced back in March for the pandemic, will now become permanent.
Here's some quick facts:
- Permanent billing codes include patient visits, consultations, and mental health services provided over the phone or through secure video conference.
- In-person physician and specialist care will continue. Virtual services will be offered by physicians and specialists where appropriate.
- These permanent virtual codes will not be subject to the daily patient visit cap.
- Details of the changes are communicated in Bulletin 231.
- Rates vary depending on specialty and service, and are the same as current basic in-person rates.
All existing rules for virtual care codes remain in place.
Learn more from Alberta's official 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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