Ontario's premier has announced new measures to protect workers forced into self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Doug Ford announced Monday the provincial government will introduce new legislation to provide immediate job-protected leave to employees who are either in self-isolation or quarantine due to the virus. The new legislation would also protect the jobs of those forced to take time away from work to care for children due to school and daycare closures in Ontario.
"While everyone's concerns about their health and safety is top of mind, the last thing we need is anyone worrying about job security as the COVID-19 situation evolves," Ford said in a statement. "That's why I directed the minister of labour, training and skills development to draft legislation that will protect workers and their families during this difficult period."
Labour Minister Monte McNaughton, Minister of Health Christine Elliott, and Minister of Finance Rod Philips joined Ford for the announcement at Queen's Park.
If passed, the legislation would protect employees who are under medical investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19, are in isolation or quarantine, are acting in accordance with public health information, have been instructed by their employer not to attend work, or are caring for a child affected by school or daycare closures.
The legislation would also remove the employee requirement to provide a doctor's note for any work absence. The new measure will be backdated to January 25 of this year, when the first presumptive COVID-19 case was confirmed in Ontario.
The province is also reviewing the current eligibility for Employment Insurance benefits available through Ontario Works to help those unable to meet their basic living expenses due to the fallout from the pandemic.
"These job protections could also contribute significantly to limiting the spread of COVID-19," said Phillips. "We are giving everyone the tools they need to put their health and the health of others first, without fear of losing their jobs."
Ford has also called on the federal government to close the country's borders to visitors, but not trading commerce.
Ontario has seen 177 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since January. To date, five of those infected with the virus have fully recovered.
More than 8,460 people have been tested for coronavirus across the province. Ontario Public Health has indicated it is awaiting results of 1,316 tests.