Version 3 | March 2021 - The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
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Version 3 | March 2021
SAFE RETURN TO BUSINESS
A Public Health Toolkit for the Windsor-Essex Business Community
Version 2 | February 2021
Contents
Purpose ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Enforcement Measures............................................................................................................. 4
Employer Responsbilities .................................................................................................................. 4
Information About Enforcement of the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA) ................................... 5
Information About Enforcement of the Employment Standards Act (ESA) ............................. 5
COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan ............................................................................................. 5
COVID-19 Screening for Staff .................................................................................................... 6
UPDATED: COVID-19 Screening for Clients or Customers ........................................................ 7
Keeping Track of Staff Attendance and Operations ................................................................. 8
Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Measures.......................................................................... 9
Promote Physical Distancing..................................................................................................... 9
Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette ............................................................................... 10
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ..................................................................................... 11
Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection ...................................................................................... 11
Maintain Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems.................................... 12
Communication ....................................................................................................................... 13
Safely Reopening a Business After an Extended Closure ............................................................... 13
Useful Links ............................................................................................................................. 13
Resources ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Downloadable & Printable COVID-19 Workplace Screening Tool .......................................... 16
Hierarchy of Controls in the Workplace ................................................................................. 17
COVID-19 Signage ........................................................................................................................... 18
This is Version 3 of the ‘Safe Return to Business: A Public Health Toolkit for the Windsor-Essex
Business Community’ and is current as of March 10, 2021. Regularly check the General
Information for Workplaces webpage (https://www.wechu.org/cv/general-recommendations-
businesses-workplaces) for future updates to this toolkit and other content.
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WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT
PURPOSE
This document provides technical guidance to employers, owners and operators of businesses,
and workplaces to assist with COVID-19 prevention in places of work. This guide highlights best
practices and may supplement health and safety processes that organizations should already
have in place related to the pandemic. Please note that acute care, long-term care and
retirement homes, in addition to other workplace settings (e.g., hospitals, clinics, schools), may
have their own guidance documents. The information in this document does not take place of
any legal advice or rules put in place by any governing body or legislation.
Visit the WECHU COVID-19 website regularly, as information changes frequently. For additional
information about current restrictions related to COVID-19 in Ontario, please review the
following resources:
Resource Link
COVID-19 Decision Guide for https://www.wechu.org/cv/covid-19-decision-guide-
Workplaces (Return to Work workplaces
Timelines)
COVID-19 Guidance: Workplace http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichea
Outbreak lth/coronavirus/docs/2019_workplace_outbreak_guidanc
e.pdf
COVID-19 Public Health https://covid-19.ontario.ca/zones-and-restrictions
Measures and Restrictions
COVID-19 Response https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-
Framework: Keeping Ontario framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open
safe and open
Fact Sheets for Specific https://www.wechu.org/cv/fact-sheets-specific-
Businesses & Organizations businesses-and-organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
https://wechu.org/cv/workplace-faq
(FAQs) for Workplaces,
Employers, and Employees
Managing COVID-19 in the https://www.wechu.org/cv/managing-covid-19-
Workplace: Guidance for workplace-guidance-employers-owners-and-operators
Employers, Owners, and
Operators
Reporting Workplace https://www.wechu.org/sites/default/files/edit-
Outbreaks to the Windsor- resource/em-workplace-download-resources/reporting-
Essex County Health Unit: workplace-outbreaks-wechu-guide-employers.pdf
Guidance for Employers,
Business Owners, & Operators
Risk Assessment for https://www.wechu.org/cv/risk-assessment-workplaces
Workplaces
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SAFE RETURN TO BUSINESS
A Public Health Toolkit for the Windsor-Essex Business Community
Version 2 | February 2021
Enforcement Measures
Please note that enforcement officers have the authority to issue tickets to individuals,
employees and corporations in retail settings and businesses if found not complying with an
order (e.g. staff member or customer not wearing a face covering). For the latest updates on
provincial and local orders, regular check WECHU’s Restrictions & Guidance webpage.
EMPLOYER RESPONSBILITIES
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers have the duty to keep workers and
workplaces safe and free of hazards that could result in illness and injury. The Guide to the
Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) provides more details for employers to understand
their health and safety responsibilities. Employers may also consult with the Ministry of Labour,
Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) for information on employment standards, health and
safety, and labour relations.
In addition to the requirements outlined in the OHSA, employers must also:
• Conduct an assessment of their workplace to determine possible areas that could contribute
to the risk of transmission of COVID-19. The Government of Canada’s Risk-informed
decision-making guidelines for workplaces and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic
provides more detailed information about identifying risk and implementing risk mitigation
strategies. This process should involve employees, staff, supervisors, business owners, and if
present, joint health and safety representatives.
• Ensure all individuals who are able to perform their work remotely (e.g., from home) are
supported to do so.
• Comply with all advice, recommendations, and instructions from the Medical Officer of
Health and Windsor-Essex County orders and/or bylaws relevant to your organization.
• Screen any workers or essential visitors entering the work environment for COVID-19
symptoms or risk. Print and post the WECHU COVID-19 Screening Tool for Workplaces.
• Refer to WECHU’s Fact Sheets for Specific Businesses and Organization page to learn more,
including additional screening, log sheets, and signage advice for specific sectors.
• Develop a COVID-19 workplace safety plan.
Employees must:
• Be instructed to perform daily self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms and complete a
COVID-19 self-assessment before reporting to work each day.
• Avoid attending work and inform a supervisor or manager, if feeling ill, or if failing any part of
the COVID-19 screening.
• Report any circumstance in the workplace that are likely to be hazardous to the health or
safety of others in the workplace to a supervisor or manager. This includes reporting one’s
own potential exposure to COVID-19 that caused or is likely to cause illness to another
person.
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WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT
• Understand and follow the employers’ workplace health and safety directions. For example:
o Use or wear the personal protective equipment that your employer requires
o Maintain 2 metres of physical distancing from others during work and break times
o Follow procedures for cleaning and disinfection, including any additional instructions
given from the employer.
o Follow all directions from public health officials.
Information About Enforcement of the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA)
Restrictions, instructions and guidelines as defined in the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA) are
enforceable by provincial and local enforcement agencies, per O.Reg 8/21: Enforcement of
COVID-19 Measures (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r21008). However, it is important
to note that not all types of workplace violations are enforceable by local enforcement agencies
under the ROA. (See next section about the enforcement of the Employment Standards Act).
Under the ROA, enforcement officers have the authority to issue tickets to individuals,
employees and corporations in retail settings and businesses if found not to be in compliance
with an order (e.g., staff member or customer not wearing a face covering). Enforcement
officers have the authority to:
• Require individuals to identify themselves by their correct name, date of birth and address.
• Order temporary closures of premises if the number of people in attendance exceeds the
number permitted under the ROA.
• Order individuals to cease and disperse if attending a prohibited event or gathering.
Information About Enforcement of the Employment Standards Act (ESA)
Enforcement of violations under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), which sets out
the minimum standards that employers and employees must follow, are enforced by the
Ministry of Labour. These violations are different from what is enforceable under the ROA.
The Ministry of Labour is the responsible agency for:
• Enforcement of the ESA and its regulations
• Providing information to employers and employees on requirements
• Investigating claims and complaints
• Facilitating compliance
• Conducting proactive inspections of payroll records and workplace practices.
COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan
All businesses and workplaces are required to prepare a COVID-19 Safety Plan and make it
visible and available upon request. The safety plan must:
• Describe policies and procedures that have been implemented in the business, place, facility
or establishment to reduce spread of COVID-19.
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A Public Health Toolkit for the Windsor-Essex Business Community
Version 2 | February 2021
• Include measures for screening, physical distancing, masks, cleaning and disinfecting of
surfaces and objects, and the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Be in writing and made available to any person for review, upon request.
• Be posted in a place where it is visible to those working in or attending the location.
Visit WECHU’s COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan Requirements webpage to download templates
and customize a safety plan for your workplace.
COVID-19 Screening for Staff
Under the Reopening Ontario Act, the person responsible for the business or organization must
comply with any advice, recommendations, and instructions issued by the Medical Officer of
Health on screening individuals.
Workers (e.g., staff, volunteers, suppliers, contractors, essential visitors) must complete a
COVID-19 screening before or when they enter the workplace at the beginning of their day or
shift. Screening questions may be completed on paper, online, or by asking staff directly. The
WECHU COVID-19 Screening Tool is a graphic/text based poster available for download in
multiple languages (see the Resources section at the end of the document). Some other
resources and best practices include:
• Ministry of Ontario Screening Document is text-based and can be printed and filled out by
visiting https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid19-cms-assets/2021-
02/Screening%20Worker%20and%20Employee_Feb26v4%20final.pdf
• Ministry of Ontario online self-assessment can be completed online by visiting https://covid-
19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/
• Designate an area outside, near the main entrance, as a screening station for in-person
screening.
o The area should be clearly identifiable as the screening station.
o The area must allow for a minimum of two metres (six feet) distance between staff
conducting screening and the individual being screened. Alternatively, a protective
barrier (e.g., plexiglass) may be installed at the screening station.
o If physical distancing or a barrier is not possible, staff conducting the screening should
wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. surgical mask, face shield).
o Use visual markers/cues (e.g. tape on the floor, pylons, signs) as a guide for physical
distancing for staff, person being screened and persons waiting to be screened.
o Refer to our Fact Sheets for Specific Businesses and Organization page to learn more,
including additional screening, log sheets, and signage advice for specific sectors.
• Temperature checks are neither required nor recommended.
• If staff become sick with COVID-19 symptoms while at work, they should go home right away
and self-isolate. Instruct them to call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000, their health care
provider for advice, or an Assessment Centre if testing is recommended. Find your local
assessment centre by visiting https://www.wechu.org/cv/getting-tested#local.
6WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT
COVID-19 Screening for Clients or Customers
The following businesses or organizations that are permitted to be open in the Orange (Restrict),
Red (Control) or Grey (Lockdown) zones are required to actively screen customers/patrons
before they enter the business or organization:
Business or Organization Required to Actively Screen Applicable Zones
Patrons
Indoor Malls Orange- Restrict
Red- Control
Grey-Lockdown
Restaurants, bars and other food and drink Orange- Restrict
establishments (not required for take-out, drive through Red- Control
or delivery)
Sports and recreational fitness facilities Orange- Restrict
Red- Control
Meeting and event spaces Orange- Restrict
Red- Control
Personal care services Orange- Restrict
Red- Control
Casinos, bingo halls and gaming establishments Orange- Restrict
Red- Control
Cinemas Orange- Restrict
Performing Arts Facilities Orange- Restrict
Active screening can be done in many ways:
• Have customer fill out online customer screening survey on their own cell phone and
show they passed (green check mark) before they enter the business at the door.
• Have customers read and sign off that they passed all questions on a screening
paper/poster at the door. Note: the health unit screening poster is available in multiple
languages and can be used to actively screen patrons.
• Have a staff person perform screening (asking questions) at the door. Temperature
checks are not required. The screener should maintain physical distancing, wear a face
mask, and maintain physical distancing or ask screening questions while behind a clear
barrier, such as plexiglass.
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A Public Health Toolkit for the Windsor-Essex Business Community
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• For clients and customers visiting a workplace in-person, owners and operators must also
post a notice that clients or customers self-screen for COVID-19 before entering. Any of the
following methods can be used:
o Posting a COVID-19 Screening Poster with screening questions. Available in English,
French, Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Low German, and Vietnamese are available for
download, print, or completion online by visiting https://wechu.org/cv/resources-
downloadable-signs.
o Posting signage at entrances informing people that they must NOT enter if they are
sick. WECHU signage is available in English, French, and Arabic. These can be
downloaded from https://wechu.org/cv/resources-downloadable-signs.
• If customers or clients fail any part of the screening, they must be directed to return home to
self-isolate and to contact a health care provider. They will not be permitted to use curbside
pick-up or any other services where they may be interacting with others. Contactless delivery
may be offered as an option for those who are required to self-isolate at home.
Keeping Track of Staff Attendance and Operations
• Keep a list of the names and contact information for all staff, workers, and essential visitors
who enter the workplace, including for in-person meetings or events (e.g., weddings,
funerals, religious services). This will support contact tracing. Some helpful resources
available for download include the Daily screening log sheet & Weekly screening log sheet.
• The information collected must be kept for 30 days and provided to WECHU upon request. It
may be shredded after 30 days.
• Remind staff about the importance of staying home when they are sick and reporting illness
to their supervisor/manager. Have a flexible sick policy so staff do not come to work when
they are ill.
• Make plans to operate with different levels of employee absenteeism due to illness, ill-
dependants, or for child care during school closures.
• Plan business functions, jobs, roles and critical elements within your business that are
essential or critical when public health restrictions are in place, or if staffing levels are
reduced.
• Non-essential work travel should be avoided. Travellers entering Canada must self-isolate for
14 days after they return from travel anywhere outside of Canada, including the United
States.
o Healthy individuals who cross the border and are performing an essential job or function
are exempt from self-isolation under the Quarantine Act, but they must continually self-
monitor for symptoms.
8WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT
INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL (IPAC) MEASURES
• Promote Physical Distancing • Enhance Cleaning and Disinfection
• Hand Hygiene & Respiratory • Maintain Heating, Ventilation, and
Etiquette Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
• Personal Protective Equipment • Communication
For more information about Infection Prevention and Control measures in a “Hierarchy of
Control” framework, refer to WECHU’s Risk Assessment for Workplaces webpage or the
resource section at the end of this document.
Promote Physical Distancing
Physical distancing is an effective measure to minimize the risk of person-to-person transmission
of COVID-19. To ensure a minimum of 2 metres of physical distancing, the WECHU recommends
the following:
• Marking out a distance of 2 metres between seats and waiting areas to ensure physical
distancing in shared spaces and lines (e.g., reception areas, break rooms, meeting rooms,
waiting rooms, grocery lines, kitchenettes, elevators, offices and other workspaces).
o Masks and physical barriers provide added layers of protection, but are not substitutes
for physical distancing.
• Modify and manage the physical space to promote physical distancing:
o Install one-way walkways to reduce close physical interactions.
o Remove surplus furniture and supplies from rooms and walkways to allow ease of
movement while maintaining physical distancing.
o Move or tape off furniture in lunchrooms, meeting rooms, and other areas, so staff or
customers cannot sit within 2 metres from each other.
o Close off alternate workstations and/or customer service windows/check-outs where
physical distancing cannot be maintained.
o Use visual markers (e.g., tape on the floor, pylons, signs) to remind people where to
stand to keep 2 metre distance from others (e.g., on a production line).
o Install physical barriers (e.g., plexiglass) when physical distancing is not possible.
The height of the barrier should take into account the tallest user and should
consider the user’s breathing zone, which generally extends 30 centimeters, or 12
inches, around and above the mid-point of a person’s face.
o Use outdoor spaces whenever possible.
• Manage employee and customer lines. Operators are required to ensure that customers
maintain 2 metres physical distance from others and wear a mask or face covering, while
waiting in line.
• Post physical distancing signs at all entrances, employee rooms, elevators, and public areas
(e.g., cashiers, service counters).
• Minimize the number of people in the workplace and adhere to maximum capacity limits for
your workplace.
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o Cancel or hold virtually all in-person activities that are discretionary.
o Offer and promote teleworking options wherever possible.
o Host virtual meetings.
o Enable flexible work hours and schedules.
o Stagger work shifts and breaks to reduce gathering in common areas (e.g., entrance,
lunchroom, locker room).
o Assign staff to groups that are physically separated in different areas or have rotating
schedules, if possible, so that groups do not mix at any time.
o Assign workstations and equipment to a single user if possible, or limit the number of
users.
o Post signs with the number of people allowed into the premise and within each
room/space.
o Dedicate specific hours to high-risk populations, including those over 70 and with
disabilities.
• Encourage staff who carpool to limit the number of passengers in their car, not to drive or
ride if they are sick, and to follow WECHU’s guidance for taxis and ride-share vehicles.
Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette
Businesses and workplaces must promote and support proper hand hygiene as well as cough and
sneeze etiquette to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by:
• Ensuring there are enough supplies available for proper hand hygiene, including pump soap,
warm running water and paper towels.
• Reminding employees and customers to practice cough and sneeze etiquette by covering
their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and to place the tissue
directly into the garbage. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into the upper sleeve or
elbow and avoid sneezing directly into hands.
• Following a sneeze or a cough, hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 15-
20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be used.
• Including alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations at prominent locations throughout the
workplace to supplement hand washing. Portable hand sanitizer bottles should also be
provided to workers at their workstations, if they interact directly with customers. Alcohol-
based hand sanitizers should contain at least 70-90% alcohol.
• Requiring workers to conduct hand hygiene between every interaction with customers.
• Encouraging customers to sanitize hands upon entry and exit of the workplace and limit
handling of products to just those they need.
• Posting signage to remind employees and customers about the importance of properly
washing or sanitizing your hands at appropriate intervals.
• Reminding employees that glove use is not a substitute for proper hand hygiene.
o If gloves are used, it is important to change them every hour, or more often, as
necessary (e.g. when changing tasks).
o Hands should be washed and/or sanitized between changes.
10WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT
o When gloves are removed, new gloves must be used each time.
• Educate staff on proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Non-medical face coverings are required for both employees and customers when in the
workplace, with very limited exceptions. Eye protection for employees is also required in
some cases.
• The Ontario Government has created a poster providing further instructions on how to safely
wear a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge.
• In general, medical PPE should be reserved for Health Care Workers, First Responders, and
other employees who require this equipment to do their job safely. If work involves direct
contact with individuals confirmed or suspected to be infected with COVID-19, or direct
contact with COVID-19 contaminated objects or environments, Public Health Ontario
recommends that the appropriate personal protective equipment is used, such as gloves,
gown, surgical/procedure mask, and face shield or goggles. For protection against COVID-19,
N95 respirators are only required for aerosol generating medical procedures and when
otherwise determined by a regulated health professional.
• If personal protective equipment is provided by the employer, employees must be trained on
safe use, care, and limitations, including putting on and taking off equipment and proper
disposal.
• To support workers who require PPE and the economic recovery of the province, the
government has launched a website to provide businesses with information on PPE
suppliers. The Workplace PPE Supplier Directory has an up-to-date list of Ontario
companies and business associations that are ready to supply personal protective
equipment to keep your employees and customers safe from COVID-19.
• In addition, the province has created grants for eligible small businesses to help them stay
open and stay safe. Small business owners with 2-19 employees can apply for up to $1,000
for PPE and businesses with under 100 employees that were required to close in the
December 26th lockdown or experienced a minimum of 20% revenue decline comparing April
2019 to April 2020 revenues can apply for $10,000 to $20,000. Visit Businesses: Get help
with COVID-19 costs | Ontario.ca
• An alternative option is to acquire a supply of cloth masks, by having them made or by
purchasing from a local supplier.
Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection
Commonly used cleaners and disinfectants are part of a broad approach to prevent the spread of
infectious diseases. The use of disinfectants with a Drug Identification Number (DIN) is
recommended to limit the spread of COVID-19. A DIN is an 8-digit number located on the
package or bottle of disinfectant and this indicates that it has been approved for use by Health
11SAFE RETURN TO BUSINESS
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Canada. Health Canada has created list of approved hand sanitizers and disinfectants that
prevent the spread of COVID-19.
According to Public Health Ontario’s Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings, frequently
touched surfaces are more likely to be contaminated and it is therefore important to ensure
thorough cleaning at least twice a day or when visibly dirty. Each workplace should determine
their high touch areas, but here are some of the more common high-touch surfaces to consider
as a starting point:
• Handles/door knobs • Water fountains
• Railings/grab bars • Hand sanitizer dispensers
• Desk tops • Computers keyboards and mouse
• Telephones/cell phones • Light switches
• Taps • Cash registers
• Toilet handles • Touchpad surfaces
• Kitchen appliances and surfaces • Elevator buttons
Wherever possible, use a pre-mixed solution of cleaner and disinfectant. Ensure that you check
the expiry date when using any cleaning or disinfectant products or mixtures and:
• Wear gloves and any other PPE as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing the solution and allow adequate contact
time for disinfectant to kill germs.
• Refer to your workplace for additional specific protocols related to the cleaning and
disinfection of other surfaces, areas, or materials to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Equipment and tools that must be shared should be cleaned and disinfected regularly,
including between users (e.g., cashier’s stations, machinery). If staff are separated into
assigned groups, clean and disinfect shared spaces between rotating groups.
• Ensure adequate ventilation when using products (e.g., open windows, doors, or use fans).
Maintain Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
• Conduct or have the property owner or landlord conduct a regular review of HVAC systems
to ensure they are functioning well.
• Increase the introduction and circulation of outdoor air by maximizing the outdoor air ratio
of the HVAC system settings, or by opening windows and doors, where possible. Avoid
recirculating air.
• Where provided, use the highest efficiency filters that are compatible with the HVAC system.
• Increase air-exchanges if possible.
• Keep areas near HVAC inlets and outlets clear. Seating should be arranged away from areas
with high airflow (i.e. not in front of air vents).
• Facilities without HVAC systems should increase ventilation by opening windows and doors.
However, do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety risk to staff and
customers.
12WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT
• Rooms where ceiling fans are used should have an upward airflow rotation.
• If portable fans are used, limit the blowing of air across people and surfaces by positioning
them to provide an upward movement of air.
• Portable air cleaners should not be relied upon as the only preventative measure where
source control and improved ventilation is available. Review Public Health Ontario: Use of
Portable Air Cleaners and Transmission of COVID-19 for more information. If used, follow
the manufacturer’s directions (and possibly the advice of a service professional) to decide
where best to place the device. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on maintenance.
Communication
• Inform staff and customers about the measures being taken to protect them against COVID-
19. This can include social media messages, phone messages, emails, or printed posters.
• Encourage staff and customers to download the COVID Alert app so they can be notified
directly if they have been in close contact with someone who was contagious with COVID-19.
SAFELY REOPENING A BUSINESS AFTER AN EXTENDED CLOSURE
If a building or areas of a building have been shut down for an extended period of time and
are being prepared to re-open, it is important to perform a general building inspection that
includes:
• Security system checks.
• First aid supply checks.
• Ensuring all tools and equipment are in good working order.
• Discarding any expired or spoiled inventory.
• Checking for evidence of pest/rodent infestation such as droppings.
• Checking the HVAC system to ensure it is in good working order and replace filters if necessary.
• Flushing all drinking water taps for at least 5 minutes.
• Performing a deep cleaning and disinfection throughout the business.
Additional things to consider:
• Have you had any staff turnover, or are workers being required to change or adapt job
roles, or to use new equipment? Provide training and new employee orientation as
necessary.
• Will workers need time or training to refresh their skills after having been out of the
workplace?
• Have you changed anything about the way you operate, such as the equipment you use
or the products you create?
Useful Links
• Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA): COVID-19 Info & Re-
opening Resources
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• Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA): COVID-19 – Building Extended
Closure Checklist
RESOURCES
Local (i.e., Windsor-Essex County Health Unit)
Name Link
COVID-19 Decision Guide for https://www.wechu.org/cv/covid-19-decision-guide-
Workplaces (Return to Work workplaces
Timelines)
COVID-19 Home Page https://www.wechu.org/cv
COVID-19 School Outbreak https://www.wechu.org/cv/covid-19-school-outbreak
webpage
COVID-19 Screening Tool for https://www.wechu.org/sites/default/files/edit-
the Workplace resource/em-workplace-download-
resources/covidscreeningtoolworplacegraphicswith-
nameeng.pdf
COVID-19 Workplace Safety https://www.wechu.org/cv/covid-19-workplace-safety-
Plan Requirements plan-requirements
Fact Sheets for Specific https://www.wechu.org/cv/fact-sheets-specific-
Businesses & Organizations businesses-and-organizations
Frequently Asked Questions for https://wechu.org/cv/workplace-faq
Workplaces, Employers and
Employees
Have COVID-19 or been https://www.wechu.org/cv/have-covid-19-or-been-
exposed? exposed
Local Assessment Centres https://www.wechu.org/cv/getting-tested
Local Pandemic Status https://www.wechu.org/cv/local-pandemic-status
Managing COVID-19 in the https://www.wechu.org/cv/managing-covid-19-
Workplace: Guidance for workplace-guidance-employers-owners-and-operators
Employers, Owners, and
Operators
Protect Yourself: Self-Isolate https://www.wechu.org/cv/protect-yourself#self-isolate
Protect Yourself: Self-Monitor https://wechu.org/cv/protect-yourself#self-monitor
Reporting Workplace https://www.wechu.org/sites/default/files/edit-
Outbreaks to the Windsor- resource/em-workplace-download-resources/reporting-
Essex County Health Unit: workplace-outbreaks-wechu-guide-employers.pdf
Guidance for Employers,
Business Owners, & Operators
14WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT
Resources & Downloadable https://wechu.org/cv/resources-downloadable-signs
Signs
Risk Assessment for https://www.wechu.org/cv/risk-assessment-workplaces
Workplaces
Provincial (e.g., Government of Ontario, Public Health Ontario)
Name Link
COVID-19 Guidance: Workplace http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichea
Outbreak lth/coronavirus/docs/2019_workplace_outbreak_guidanc
e.pdf
COVID-19 public health https://covid-19.ontario.ca/zones-and-restrictions
measures and restrictions
COVID-19 Quick Reference http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichea
Public Health Guidance on lth/coronavirus/docs/2019_testing_clearing_cases_guidan
Testing and Clearance ce.pdf
COVID-19 Response https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-response-
Framework: Keeping Ontario framework-keeping-ontario-safe-and-open
safe and open
COVID-19 self-isolation and https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-self-isolation-and-
return to work return-work
COVID-19 Workplace Safety https://www.ontario.ca/page/develop-your-covid-19-
Plan workplace-safety-plan
Find A COVID-19 Assessment https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-test-and-testing-
Centre location-information
Guide to the Occupational https://www.ontario.ca/document/guide-occupational-
Health and Safety Act health-and-safety-act
Management of Cases and http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichea
Contacts of COVID-19 in lth/coronavirus/docs/contact_mngmt/management_cases
Ontario _contacts.pdf
Online COVID-19 self- https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/
assessment
Ontario Regulation 82/20: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200082
Rules for Areas in Stage 1
You were tested for COVID-19: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-
What you should know /media/documents/ncov/factsheet/2020/06/factsheet-
covid-19-test-what-you-should-know.pdf?la=en
COVID-19 Variant of Concern: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichea
Case, Contact and Outbreak lth/coronavirus/docs/VOC_guidance.pdf
Management Interim Guidance
15SAFE RETURN TO BUSINESS
A Public Health Toolkit for the Windsor-Essex Business Community
Version 2 | February 2021
Downloadable & Printable COVID-19 Workplace Screening Tool
Language Download Link
English https://www.wechu.org/sites/default/files/edit-
resource/em-workplace-download-
resources/covid-screening-tool-worplacedo-
you-havepostereng.pdf
French https://www.wechu.org/sites/default/files/edit-
resource/em-workplace-download-
resources/covid-screening-tool-worplacedo-
you-haveposterfre.pdf
Arabic https://www.wechu.org/sites/default/files/edit-
resource/em-workplace-download-
resources/covid-screening-tool-worplacedo-
you-haveposterara.pdf
Chinese https://www.wechu.org/sites/default/files/edit-
resource/em-workplace-download-
resources/covid-screening-tool-worplacedo-
you-haveposterchi.pdf
Vietnamese https://www.wechu.org/sites/default/files/edit-
resource/em-workplace-download-
resources/covid-screening-tool-worplacedo-
you-havepostervie.pdf
Spanish https://www.wechu.org/sites/default/files/edit-
resource/em-workplace-download-
resources/covid-screening-tool-worplacedo-
you-haveposterspa.pdf
Low https://www.wechu.org/sites/default/files/edit-
German resource/em-workplace-download-
resources/covid-screening-tool-worplacedo-
you-haveposterlgr.pdf
16WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT
Hierarchy of Controls in the Workplace
Hierarchy of
Controls Public Health Measures
Elimination & • Allowing workers to work remotely would eliminate the risk of COVID-
Substitution 19 spread in the workplace. This is recommended wherever and
whenever possible
• Assess the need to report to the workplace in person on an individual
or job role basis
• People with immunocompromised health conditions (e.g., chronic
conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung issues, or cancer) or who
live with immunocompromised individuals may need to continue to
work remotely
• Use technologies to facilitate working remotely such as
teleconferencing and virtual meetings
Engineering • Physical barriers (e.g., plexiglass barriers to separate workers from
Controls customers)
• Increased ventilation and high efficiency filters
• Sensors or no- or low-touch controls for water, taps, and garbage lids
• Remove unnecessary doors that many people would have to touch
Administrative • Communicate risk and rules
Controls • Limit occupancy, stagger shifts/breaks, and create other policies that
limit the number of people in a space at one time
• Use electronic communications for sign-ins and administrative work
• Screen workers and/or customers
• Establish contactless curbside pickup
• Establish new cleaning and disinfection protocols
• Provide education and training on proper hand washing techniques and
respiratory etiquette
Personal For COVID-19 protection, face coverings or other PPE (e.g., respirators, face
Protective shields, gowns, non-medical masks) can be used as a workplace control
Equipment measure in two ways:
(PPE) • As a source control: workers and visitors wear the mask to protect
those around them
• As personal protective equipment (PPE): workers wear the mask (along
with eye protection) to protect themselves.
For more information about face coverings and eye protection, visit
WECHU’s Face Masks and Coverings webpage.
17SAFE RETURN TO BUSINESS
A Public Health Toolkit for the Windsor-Essex Business Community
Version 2 | February 2021
COVID-19 SIGNAGE
Download here: Resources & Signage (https://wechu.org/cv/resources-downloadable-signs)
18You can also read
