On Saturday, November 7, Health officials in British Columbia announced a series of new lockdown measures for the most populous areas of the province Saturday, as COVID-19 cases continue to surge to record-breaking levels.

The health orders will be in place for two weeks, effective from 10 p.m. Saturday until the afternoon of Nov. 23, and are intended to prevent the spread of the virus.

The order requires businesses in the Vancouver and Fraser regions to conduct active screening and symptom checking for workers on site.

All businesses and worksites must conduct active daily screening of all onsite workers using the COVID-19 symptom check list that is part of every business restart safety plan.

• Workplaces must ensure that all workers and customers maintain appropriate physical distance and wear masks when appropriate
• Extra care should be taken in small office spaces, break rooms and kitchens

For those areas of the province not covered by the new restrictions, Health Minister Adrian Dix urged residents to remain vigilant about preventing the spread of the virus.

What does Active Daily Screening Mean?

Business must conduct daily screening of all onsite workers using the COVID symptom check list. This might be done by:

• Asking workers questions as they arrive
• An app or online form
• Through signage at the entrance to the workplace

It is not recommended employers routinely test their staff for COVID-19. Only people with symptoms identified by a health professional should be tested for COVID-19.

Enforcement

During a public health emergency under the Public Health Act, the PHO can make orders as needed. You must follow the orders. Provincial workplace inspectors will be out in force to ensure workplace compliance. Orders can be enforced by police or other compliance and enforcement officials. People who don’t follow the order could be fined.

For more information on the announcement, please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support/lower-mainland

For more information on HR4’s Digital Pre-Entry Screening Tool, please visit https://hr4.com/ and request for a demo.