Ontario Declares Provincial State of Emergency

On January 12, 2021, the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Office of Health, declared a second provincial emergency order effective Thursday, January 14, 2021at 12:01am as a result of increasing cases of COVID-19 and its impact on health system capacity. The provincial emergency order includes a stay-at-home order which requires everyone to remain at home and to go out for essential purposes only, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (such as occupational therapy), for exercise or for essential work.

On January 25, 2020, the Government extended the State of Emergency to February  9, 2021.  View the Government's website to review public health measures and restrictions.

Implications for Occupational Therapists

The state of emergency does not create any new restrictions for occupational therapy service delivery. There is no change to Directive #2 at this time. Occupational therapists are deemed essential workers. In-person services can be delivered in keeping with restrictions in place for physical distancing, patient screening, and infection control measures including  therapist use of PPE at all times. Where it can be appropriate, virtual service delivery is recommended. OTs should be familiar with and comply with;

• the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario's Return to Work Guidance for OTs 
• COVID-19 Operational Requirements for Health System Restart

View additional information and monitor OSOT's COVID-19 web page.