News release: January 8, 2021
Protecting the health of front-line workers remains top priority in workplace outbreaks
January 8, 2021, (Brampton, ON) – Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Peel Public Health has remained steadfast in our commitment to protecting frontline workers when workplace outbreaks occur and protecting our community through public disclosure where any workplace outbreak presents any risk to the community.
Peel Public Health always discloses the names of businesses with outbreaks if there is a risk to the public. Having completed thousands of COVID-19 workplace outbreak investigations, we have seen that limiting disclosure where there is no broader risk to the community encourages employers to cooperate and comply with health unit directions. This approach has allowed our investigators to quickly direct actions to stop spread, protecting the health of workers and saving lives.
Employees who may have been exposed are always made aware of an outbreak and provided necessary details.
With Regional Council's support, Peel Public Health also continues to advocate for worker supports, particularly for temporary and agency workers, paid sick days and whatever else is needed to support employees and keep them and our community safe.
Peel Public Health's primary role in workplace safety is where COVID-19 outbreaks have occurred. We do work very closely with the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development, who have the primary mandate in enforcing compliance with provincial occupational health and safety legislation in workplaces, including ensuring COVID-19 precautions are observed.
Given the extent of disease spread across Peel, there is risk of getting the disease no matter where you go. Personal precautions, including wearing a mask, keeping distant from others and staying home as much as possible except to get essentials, are the best things each resident can do to protect themselves.
Media contact
Ashleigh Hawkins
Communication Specialist
Region of Peel
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
