Employees are allowed and encouraged to work from home if possible.

Online consultation tools for meetings are available and leveraged, whenever possible, especially if either party is experiencing symptoms.

• If in-person meetings are unavoidable, this is a good opportunity to discuss the sanitary and distancing measures in place. This is to ensure that all parties are comfortable and knowledgable about the steps taken.

Office layout arrangements follow social distancing protocols.

• Encourage employees to avoid close contact with one another. Consider increasing the distance between desks and workstations as well as employees and customers, or implementing physical barriers.

Employees are encouraged to not report to work if they are feeling unwell or displaying symptoms (even mild ones that have presented themselves within the past 48 hours).

• This is important for the health of both parties; office employees and visiting clients.

Sick leave policies are consistent with public health guidance and do not serve as a significant deterrent to employees calling in sick.

Wellness screening is in place for in-person interactions (visitors & clients).

Provide sanitization wipes or hand sanitizer - it is recommended to have this located next to the door with clear signage, to ensure that all clinic visitors properly sanitize their hands.

Before arriving to the office, all participants should complete a self-screen by answering the questions mentioned here.

• The standard recommendations for self-isolation should be followed if the client can be classified as high-risk. For example, such measures should be taken if a client has returned from an international trip less than 14 days prior to their appointment or if they have been in recent contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

  • Recommendations from the CDC can be found here outlining the global response to COVID-19.

  • It is important to note that self-reporting provides limited assurance, as some individuals can be asymptomatic.

Conduct a contactless temperature check for employees and visitors.

• Contactless methods of temperature screening are recommended where possible, using digital thermometers for accuracy and multi-use. These should be available for all employees prior to allowing an employee access to the office or workplace.

Provide disposable masks to visitors and employees upon entry to the office space.

There are enhanced cleaning and sanitization measures in place throughout the office, reception and waiting areas — this includes high-touch surfaces, such as door handles, light switches etc. and washrooms, which should be cleaned at least twice a day.

• EPA approved disinfectants are used for the appropriate length of time (each disinfectant has its own guideline on contact length of time to kill the virus).

A separate washroom is established for staff and visiting clients (recommended).

• Signs should be printed to ensure that the toilet lid is closed before flushing the toilet, as COVID has been found in both urine and stool.

Fully sterilized areas or zones are designated for 'employees only.' This break room is intended for breaks, food, beverages and personal belongings.

• In this area, ensure there is limited shared utensil and that any shared utensils are thoroughly cleaned between use.

• Hygiene products are readily available, including alcohol based hand sanitizers and disposable disinfectant wipes.

• Limit the number of employees allowed simultaneously in break rooms.

Employees are provided with education, training and awareness to follow on the following. See more details here.

• Hand hygiene and proper handwashing techniques

• Proper use of PPE

• Use of break rooms

• Refraining from shaking hands and coming in close contact with others, social distancing protocol should be employed at all times

Clear signage is provided near the entrance, washrooms, waiting areas, break rooms and individual work areas/offices regarding hand hygiene, donning and doffing of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), use of break rooms, where and when food and beverages should be consumed.

Online invoicing solutions are preferred and provided where possible.

• Your payment management system provider should be able to provide further details and options for setting this up.

Legal documents and forms are sent to the clients electronically to complete digitally.

Online tools and communication technology are leveraged to continue conducting day-to-day business — especially if either party is experiencing symptoms.

• Avoid having to complete in person signings with online agreement and signing tools. These softwares allow official documents to be signed remotely via your mobile or desktop; ensuring all parties' safety and social distancing practices are adhered to.

• Video conference tools are now the norm to negotiate the fine details of anything during the buying or consultation process.

Electronic satisfaction surveys for service and adherence to CovidSafe are sent to the clients, following their meeting to ensure that all proper standards were met.

Prepare an outbreak management plan handled by a designated staff member. This should include, but not be limited to the following:

• A communication protocol in the event that your staff has tested positive for Covid-19.

• Employers are not informing its workforce of the identity of the person with the confirmed diagnosis, or provide other identifying information about such person. If there is a need to provide identifying information about the affected person, the employer should consult with its legal counsel.

Communication to Public Health (notify accordingly if any of your staff has tested positive).

Measures are increased for frequent cleanings and sanitization for all surfaces, countertops, and high visited traffic areas.

Efforts are taken to trace exposure and risk of all staff. Staff can be placed into cohorts to determine other potential exclusions.

If in effect, increased cleanings and sanitization are scheduled for all surfaces, countertops, and highly visited and traffic areas.