Workplaces and Businesses

Effective 12:01 a.m. on July 17, 2020, Dr. Nicola Mercer issued an updated class order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act for Stage 3 of the Ontario Framework for Reopening our Province.

The order requires all persons who own or operate a Commercial Establishment in the jurisdiction of the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Health Unit to:

  • Prohibit Persons from entering the premises of the Commercial Establishment or remaining in the premises if the said Person is not wearing a Face Covering, with the exception of:

    • Children under the age of two years.

    • Children under the age of five years (either chronologically or developmentally) who refuse to wear a face covering and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver.

    • People whose ability to breathe in any way is inhibited by the face covering.

    • People that have any other medical reason they cannot wear a face covering safely, such as, but not limited to, respiratory disease, cognitive difficulties or difficulties in hearing or processing information.

    • The obligation to provide reasonable accomdation under the Ontario Human Rights Code requires exemption from this requirement. 

  • Ensure the availability of alcohol-based hand rub at all entrances and exits for the use of all Persons entering or exiting the Establishment.

Further details please refer to the Updated Class Order

For more information, please read our Face Coverings FAQs

WDGPH Guidance Documents

​*Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health supports the advice and guidance documents provided by the Ministry of Health, which informs the development of our WDGPH guidance documents. WDGPH strongly recommends that sector operators adhere to recommendations outlined in Ministry and WDGPH guidance documents. Based on current public health evidence, we cannot encourage or support contravention of the Ministry guidance. These public health recommendations are developed to support the wellbeing of our community, and reflect the current need for protection from COVID-19. Additionally, all sectors must adhere to relevant regulations of the Ontario Emergency Orders

​WDGPH Resources 

​Note. When printing the posters, select ‘fit to printable area’ to print to desired size

Testing for COVID-19 for those at risk of exposure through their employment

According to the Ontario government, effective immediately (May 24, 2020), testing is available for the following populations:

  • Asymptomatic, risk-based testing: 
    • ​People who are concerned that they have been exposed to COVID-19. This includes people who are contacts of or may have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case.
    • People who are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their employment, including essential workers (e.g., health care workers, grocery store employees, food processing plants).

  • Symptomatic testing: All people with at least one symptom of COVID-19, even for mild symptoms.

No referral is needed. Bring your health card with you (if you have one). 

You may go to any assessment centre to be tested. Do not go to a Public Health office, we do not provide testing. You will receive further instruction from the clinician at the assessment centre based on your individual assessment. Be prepared for increased wait times at the assessment centres.

Check our Testing and Results page for more information.

Ontario Framework for Reopening Businesses

Stage 3

Nearly all businesses and public spaces will be able to gradually reopen in Stage 3, with public health and workplace safety restrictions in place, while some high-risk venues and activities will remain closed until they can safely resume operations. Please refer to the Framework for Reopening our Province: Stage 3 for more detailed information. Effective July 17, 2020, the WDG region entered Stage 3. 

The government will work with businesses and sectors that are either not able to reopen in Stage 3, or who are experiencing significant challenges opening with restrictions, to explore how these organizations could safely resume operations as Ontario gradually reopens, while implementing public health and workplace safety measures. 

Stage 2

The second stage includes more workplaces with significant mitigation plans. Please refer to the detailed list of stage 2 openings, effective June 12th, 2020 in Guelph, Wellington County, and Dufferin County. Additionally, effective June 9th, 2020, child care staff can re-enter their facilities and begin preparation for reopening. When strict guidelines have been met by child care centres and summer day camp programs, these facilities will be allowed to reopen.

Stage 1

The first stage includes certain workplaces that can meet current public health guidelines. Please refer to the detailed list of stage 1 openings, effective May 19th, 2020. Updates and additions to this list will be posted on the provincial emergency information page as emergency orders are amended. For sector-specific guidance, visit the Government of Ontario website and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website, and refer to the provincial or federal professional association affiliated with your business sector, if applicable.

More resources for workplaces