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COVID-19 Updates | Weekly Workplace Recap from November 20 to November 26, 2020

Sarah Visca | Nov 26, 2020

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Below are the key announcements from the Federal, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and BC governments that touch on workplace issues from  November 20 to November 26, 2020.

Federal

Applications Open for the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)

 The CECRA program has been replaced by the CERS, a new program providing easy-to-access rent and mortgage support to small businesses affected by COVID-19. The new subsidy will provide support directly to both tenants and property owners. See our previous article for details. 

Qualifying organizations can now apply directly for the subsidy for the period from September 27 to October 24, 2020 through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) My Business Account, or Represent a Client portals. 

The CRA has launched a CERS online calculator that guides applicants through a step-by-step process that allows them to determine the subsidy amount they can claim, based on the information they enter. 

Applications for the second CERS period (October 25 to November 21, 2020) will open on November 30.  

For more information, including eligibility requirements and payment periods, check out the official CERS webpage. 

Ontario

Updated Sector-Specific Public Health & Workplace Safety Lockdown Measures

Ontario has further updated its COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open to include modified restrictions on businesses and organizations due to increased COVID-19 infections in the province. 

The framework introduces five levels, classifying public health unit regions based on epidemiological trends and the capacity of the health system and public health system in each region. Each level sets out specific public health and workplace safety measures for businesses and organizations, and range from standard measures to maximum measures. The framework includes general public health measures for gatherings, workplace requirements, and face coverings for each level, as well as sector-specific guidelines. 

Download the COVID-19 Response Framework: Keeping Ontario Safe and Open —Lockdown Measures.

Businesses can also find information on employer responsibilities, workplace safety plans, sector-specific guidance, PPE suppliers and posters for your workplace on the Resources to prevent COVID-19 in the workplace webpage. 

Manitoba

New #ShopLocalMB Campaign Aims to Protect Local Businesses

Manitoba is launching a new digital campaign called #ShopLocalMB, that encourages safe local shopping and supports small businesses.

The new #ShopLocalMB campaign has enlisted a local design company to tell the stories of Manitoba businesses, entrepreneurs, makers and creators. The messages will reinforce reminders of how to shop safely, which includes using delivery, in-store pickup or drive-thru options whenever possible, and following public health fundamentals if in-person shopping is required. 

Businesses that want to be featured in the #ShopLocalMB campaign, as well as Manitobans who want to nominate a business or creator should email Communications Services Manitoba.

For more information, check out this news release. 

Alberta

Aggressive Restrictions & Enforcement Measures for Alberta Workplaces

Alberta's government is declaring a state of public health emergency, implementing new, aggressive restrictions and enforcement measures for the province.

Here are the new restrictions that relate to businesses and the workplace:  

  • Businesses: Beginning November 27, businesses and services in enhanced status (purple) areas, including Calgary and Edmonton, will fall under three categories: “closed for in-person business,” “open with restrictions” or “open by appointment only.” Lists of businesses in each category are found here. 

  • Work: Working from home should be considered where possible.

  • Masks: Masks are now mandatory in indoor workplaces in Calgary, Edmonton and surrounding areas, including for visitors, delivery personnel, employees and contractors.

  • Social Gatherings: Effective immediately, indoor social gatherings are prohibited, including in workplaces. Work group meetings are not social gatherings, but attendance should be limited and public health measures followed.

For more information, check out the new Enhanced Public Health Measures and this news release.

British Columbia

Province Wide Restrictions on Social Gatherings, Travel & Workplaces

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced wide-ranging new rules, including mandatory masks in indoor public and retail spaces and restricting social gatherings to household members only for everyone across BC.

The order is in effect from November 19, 2020, at midnight to December 7, 2020, at midnight.  All non-essential travel should be avoided. This includes travel into and out of BC and between regions of the province.

Henry also asked Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth to implement a requirement for workers and members of the public to wear face coverings in all retail environments, restaurants and indoor public spaces, including common areas of workplaces, except when eating or drinking (see next section for update).

See the Order and list of restrictions by sector. 

For more information, check out this news release. 

BC Extends State of Emergency & Introduces Mask Enforcement Measures

The new order M.O. M425/2020, Use of Face Coverings in Indoor Public Spaces (COVID-19) ensures that masks are now required to be worn by all British Columbians, 12 years and older, in many indoor public settings. These include:

  • Malls, shopping centres, coffee shops, and retail and grocery stores
  • Liquor and drug stores
  • Airports, city halls, libraries, community and recreation centres
  • Restaurants, pubs and bars
  • Places of public worship
  • On public transportation, in a taxi or ride-sharing vehicle
  • Common areas of office buildings, court houses, hospitals and hotels
  • Common areas of sport and fitness centres when not engaged in physical activity; and
  • Common areas of post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations.

Effective immediately, these measures are enacted under the provincial state of emergency. Anyone without a mask in an indoor public place or who refuses to comply with the direction of an enforcement officer may be subject to a $230 fine.

For more information, check out 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.