The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) was first identified by Chinese officials at the end of December 2019. It originated in Hubei Province and by March 2020 it had spread to over 100 countries, leading the World Health Organization to name it a pandemic.
As an increasing number of cases have been confirmed in this country, prudent employers want to understand their legal obligations to employees who may become ill or refuse to work, and be prepared to deal with any potential impact on their workplace.
Services
Hicks Morley has the expertise to guide employers through COVID-19 pandemic. For example, we can:
- identify your legal obligations in the workplace, including health and safety
- assist you in navigating return to work and work from home issues
- guide you through the statutory benefits that may be available to employees and assist in interpreting other benefit plans that you may have
- help you assess the privacy implications relating to employees who might be infected and navigate the collection of medical information
- help you manage absenteeism through the development of contingency plans
- and more.
Updates
We are continuously monitoring developments as they occur and are sending communications to our clients with the latest information and its impact on the workplace. Stay up-to-date through your preferred delivery method:
- Consult our articles and other materials on our website
- Subscribe to receive updates by email
- Follow us on Twitter
- Subscribe to our COVID-19 RSS feed
Tools
To help our clients manage through COVID-19, we have produced a number of charts and templates covering a range of topics including leaves, layoffs and employee communications. Please contact your Hicks Morley lawyer.
Government Resources
For more information on further information on COVID-19, please see:
- Public Health Ontario
- World Health Organization
- Public Health Agency of Canada (24-hour hotline: 1-800-454-8302)
- Ontario Ministry of Health The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Government of Canada Employment and Social Development Canada (COVID-19)