In January 2020, a novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) was identified as the cause of an outbreak of pneumonia originating in Wuhan, China. The Ontario Ministry of Health indicates that there is evidence of human-to-human transmission of this virus.

The situation continues to rapidly evolve, and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Public Health Ontario are closely monitoring the outbreak, conducting surveillance and appropriate laboratory testing, and providing public health and infection control guidance. The Ontario Ministry of Health has produced Guidance Documents for a number of health sectors related to COVID-19.

For more information on how to protect yourself, what to do if you’re sick and how to recognize possible symptoms, visit Ontario.ca/coronavirus and Public Health Ontario for more information.

Directives from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health

• Directive #1 for Health Care Providers and Health Care Entities (March 30, 2020)
• Directive #2 for Health Care Providers (Regulated Health Professionals or Persons who operate a Group Practice of Regulated Health Professionals) (March 19, 2020)
• Directive #3 for Long-Term Care Homes under the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007 (March 30, 2020)
• Directive #4 for Ambulance Services and Paramedics under the Ambulance Act (March 30, 2020)
• Directive #5 for Hospitals within the meaning of the Public Hospitals Act (March 31, 2020)

Ontario Closing At-Risk Workplaces to Protect Health & Safety

On Monday, March 23, 2020  the province issued an emergency order to close at-risk workplaces and encourage non-essential businesses to find ways to help their employees work from home. The government also reminded businesses to put in place protocols for physical distancing and regular hand-washing in order to protect the health and safety of employees and the general public. A list of essential workplaces can remain open.

Businesses who have questions about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. Help is available from Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

We ask that you continue to take precautions to help keep yourself and others healthy and safe:

• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.
• Practice social distancing (2 metres).
• Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Keep surfaces clean and disinfected.
• Stay home if you are feeling ill.

We appreciate your support in helping us control the spread of infection to ensure we all remain healthy and safe. If you think you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use Ontario’s self-assessment tool to help determine if you need to seek further care.

The health and safety of our clients, staff and stakeholders is our top priority. PSHSA is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Ontario and remains in constant consultation with the Province to evaluate potential service delivery implications and ensure we are taking action to safeguard our people, clients & communities. Please click here for the latest updates.