Resources for Re-Opening

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On September 14, 2021, the Government of Ontario released the regulations and guidance for businesses and organizations to support them in implementing proof of vaccination requirements, which take effort on September 22, 2021. More information is available here.

On July 22, 2021, Ministry of Heritage, Tourism and Culture provided updated COVID-19 Screening Tools for Businesses and Organization. Please click here for more information.

April 27, 2021, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit announces Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) is again planning to conduct an education and enforcement initiative in Simcoe Muskoka to ensure workplaces and businesses are following public health guidelines and properly protecting workers and the public from COVID-19. Announcement available here.

As of July 13, 2020, when you enter into a public indoor space or use a public transit service in Simcoe Muskoka, you will be required to wear a face covering. Visit the Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit website for more information.

FAQ’s- Wearing a Face Covering in All Indoor Public Spaces

As of February 10th, 2021, all operating businesses must have the following signage at all entrances to the premises of the business or organization in a conspicious location visible to the public that inform individuals on how to screen themselves for COVID-19 prior to entering the premises:COVID_19_bus_orgs_question_signage.pdf

Mental Health Supports

Ontario Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600

Local Mental Health Resources: 211.ca or Call 211

Crisis Service Canada: 1-833-456-4566

First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Line: 1-855-242-3310

In the Know - New mental health supports for agriculture community launched on September 27, 2021.

Mental Health for Farmers - First Aid Kit - Owning a farm business can be very stressful. If you are struggling ith the impact of these stresses, you are not alone.

Farmer Wellness Program - New investment for Ontario farm families to reach mental health supports from the provincial government.

The Canada Suicide Prevention Service - Provides links and information to local mental health services.

Tough Enough to Talk About It - Provides information on how to talk to employees in the manufacturing, construction, trades and agriculture on mental health.

Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute - Provides training in crisis and trauma situations.

Mental Health Commission of Canada - Leads the development and dissemination of innovative programs and tools to support the mental health and wellness of Canadians.

Canadian Mental Health Association - Provides information on mental health and links to local resources.

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention - Provides information and resources on mental health and suicide prevention.

Remote Working Research & Supports

• National Crowdfunding & Fintech Association's Must-Read Remote Work Resources

• Remote and Flexible Work Toolkit for Employers

• Google's Distributed Work Playbooks for Employees

• Gallup's State of the American Workplace

• Can Product Work Be Done Remotely?

• How to Work from Home – From Anywhere in the World

• How to Build a Remote Work Policy

• 10 Practices That Will Ensure You Succeed at Remote Work

• 9 Research-Based Facts That Prove Remote Teams are the Future of Work

• Working Remotely: A Complete Guide to Turn You into a Pro

• A Curated List of the Best Remote Work Resources

• The Manager's Guide to Payroll and Taxes for Remote Workers

• Working Together When We're Not Together

• Economist Report: Future Workforce

• Successfully Manage Remote Employees in These 11 Simply Ways

• Remote Work

• Why Remote Work is Inclusion Work

• How to Work from Home: Resources

• 10 Tips for Successfully Managing Remote Workers

• A Guide to Managing Remote Workers

Sector Specific Guidelines for Re-Opening

The Province of Ontario has developed a framework for re-opening the Province as well as sector specific resources to help protect workers and the general public from coronavirus and a Guide on How to Develop a Workplace Safety Plan.

Recommendations include:

• Have a plan and supplies to keep all work surfaces and high touch areas clean;

• Provide sanitizer or wash stations for staff and customers;

• Control the number of people in the business premises and manage traffic flow to ensure social distancing of two meters;

• Use cloth masks and face covers when physical distancing can’t be maintained (Public Health recommends non-medical cloth masks for the general public);

• Provide signage that communicates to employees and customers health and safety protocols while in the store; and where possible,

• Minimize contact with customers by continuing to offer and encourage online shopping, curbside delivery and contactless payment.

Guidance and Posters from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development

• Construction Sector

• Food Processing Sector

• Restaurant and Food Services Sector

• Agriculture Sector

• Manufacturing Sector

Workplace Safety Guidance Documents

Retail:

• Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: Public Health Guidance for Retail Stores

• Workplace Safety and Prevention Services for Retail Sector