FTR Now
Ontario to Lift All Remaining COVID-19-Related Measures
Date: March 9, 2022
On March 9, 2022, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced that by the end of April, all remaining COVID-19-related measures, directives and orders will be lifted. This decision comes as the province sees continued improvements in key health indicators and follows the government’s easing of most public health restrictions earlier this month (see our FTR Now of February 28, 2022, Ontario Enters Roadmap Exit Step, Removes Proof of Vaccination Requirement).
As highlighted in the related briefing material, the government has proposed a phased approach that would bring an end to the remaining measures on the dates set out below:
- March 14:
- Directive 6, regarding COVID-19 vaccination policies and testing policies for public hospitals, home care and community services providers organizations, home and community care supports services organizations and ambulance services
- Letters of instruction regarding vaccination policies to Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility and Ministry of Education
- Minister of Long-Term Care directive on immunization policy
- March 21:
- Masking requirements in most places, including schools, subject to limited exceptions
- Other measures in schools, including cohorting and daily on-site screening
- All remaining regulatory requirements for businesses, such as passive screening and safety plans
- March 28:
- The Reopening Ontario Act (ROA) would cease to be in force, with a final extension of ROA emergency orders for 30 days
- April 27:
- Masking requirements in all remaining settings
- Any remaining ROA emergency orders
- Directives 1, 2.1, 3, 4 and 5
We are reviewing the changes announced by the province today and will provide further details in the coming days about the implications for employers.
The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP. ©
