COVID-19 Update
September 9, 2021
The provincial exit from Step 3 has been paused for the foreseeable future as public health units across Ontario continue to monitor for the impacts of the Delta variant.

The following includes important information shared by Hamilton's Business and Community Infection Prevention and Control Table Network (HaBCIN - formerly IPAC) regarding workplace safety.

Mandatory Workplace Vaccine Policies
Ontario has made COVID-19 vaccination policies mandatory for high risk settings such as hospitals, post-secondary institutions, retirement homes and women's shelters.

A workplace COVID-19 vaccination policy should explain its purpose, specific actions employees must take, including providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination status or a medical exemption, and timelines.

Workplace vaccination policies should require at minimum:
  • Employees to provide proof of being fully vaccinated with two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine
  • Unvaccinated employees to present written proof of a medical reason from a primary care provider
  • Unvaccinated employees to complete an education course on the risks of being unvaccinated in the workplace

Recommendations on developing a workplace vaccination policy are available at Hamilton.ca/WorkPlaceVaccination. Further resources to support local businesses’ implementation of the recommendations will be made available online in the coming days and weeks and we will keep you updated.

There are lots of questions from small business owners around vaccination policies, specifically related to legality and privacy issues. The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce held an informative webinar with Wade Poziomka, Human Rights Lawyer with Ross & McBride to address some of these questions. You can view the webinar here.
 
Workplace Screening Requirements
This is a reminder that health screening requirements for employees remain in effect, even if employees have been vaccinated.

All employees must screen before going to work each day, regardless of vaccination status.

The Province of Ontario recently updated their online screening tool. On this page, employees can take the online questionnaire and email results to employers.

Click for more information on the public health measures currently in effect.

Mobile Vaccine Clinics at Businesses
Hamilton Public Health Services will attend businesses and provide pop-up vaccination clinics as requested. Businesses can email phscovidvaccine@hamilton.ca to inquire and a staff person will respond within 2 business days with more information and to schedule the clinic appropriately.


Rapid Testing Kits Still Available
The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce has extended their agreement with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Health to offer Rapid Testing Kits to businesses and employees until March 2022.

Rapid tests are a great tool to help identify asymptomatic cases in workplaces.

Any business (with fewer than 150 employees) can request tests for pick-up from the 44 Frid Street location - learn more or place an order for pick-up here.
 
WorkWise Hamilton
WorkWise Hamilton is a campaign in partnership with the Hamilton COVID Concierge to help you learn what more your workplace can do to support and promote a safer workspace.

 
Pick up a free WorkWise Hamilton decal and place it in your storefront or office. Decals can be picked up at the Hamilton Rapid Testing Centre (44 Frid Street, Tuesday-Thursday between 10 am – 3 pm).
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Waterdown Village Business Improvement Area