Work-from-home order issued to businesses by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph public health as Omicron cases rise

The medical officer of health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph has issued anorder instructing business owners to allow their employees to work from home if possible.

Dr. Nicola Mercer issued that order on Thursday, effective Monday, to help stop the spread of COVID-19 amid the rapidly growing threat of the Omicron variant.

"Each person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall ensure that any person who performs work for the business or organization conducts their work remotely, unless the nature of their work requires them to be on-site at the workplace." said Mercer in a release.

The order doesn't apply to any government operations or delivery of services. There is also an exception for people or organizations that deliver or support those government services and for the health-care sector.

"With the growing presence of the Omicron variant, now is the time to protect our progress," Mercer said.

Local, provincial officials enforcing order

Mercer said people who can't work remotely should limit work gatherings and stick to virtual meetings, ensure physical distancing in lunch and break rooms and allow for staggered breaks.

She also said it's expected that business owners and facility operators encourage and facilitate COVID-19 vaccinations when possible.

This new order will be enforced by public health officials and provincial offences officials. It's mandated under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Reopening Ontario Act and the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

Failure to comply with the regulations could lead to fines or jail time.

The order will be enforced over the holiday season with no end date in sight.

"It is not possible at this time to account for the potential impact of the Omicron variant of concern, about which much is currently being learned. I may amend these instructions (if and as required) and will rescind them as soon I determine they are no longer necessary," she said.

• The full order can be viewed in a letter of instructionhere.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph saw its first case of Omicron on Dec. 10.Since then, multiple cases have cropped up, resulting in schools closingand the isolation of youth hockey teams.

Public health reported 52 new COVID-19 infections on Thursday.