No images? Click here Protecting your business from COVID-19Establishing a vaccination policy can keep employees, customers and the community as safe as possible The Ontario government has announced a plan for a gradual approach to lifting remaining public health and workplace safety measures by March 2022. This plan will be guided by ongoing assessment of key public health and health care indicators. As restrictions are lifted, one of the best ways to protect against COVID-19 is through vaccinations. It is recommended that employers adopt and implement a workplace vaccination policy to increase vaccination rates and keep employees and customers safe. Niagara Region Public Health is not making this a requirement for local workplaces, however it is hoped that voluntary efforts will further increase vaccination rates and prevent outbreaks from occurring in the workplace. Contact Niagara Region's Workplace Health program to learn more about how we can help you build a safe and healthy workplace. Verify Ontario Mobile App is here!Ontario's official mobile application, allowing businesses to scan COVID-19 proof of vaccination at entry, is now available. The app allows businesses to check a visitor's vaccine certificate quickly and easily. Visit the link below to get more information on how it works and technical requirements, as well as information on accepted forms of proof of vaccinations. Promote a healthy workplace all year longOctober has passed, which means the official celebration of Canada's Healthy Workplace Month has come and gone. The good news is that the fun doesn't have to stop! Information on healthy workplace activities, tools and challenges is available online all year round. Whether staff are in the office or working from home, employers are encouraged to promote and protect workplace health all year long. A happy workplace, is a productive workplace. FREE Fluoride Varnish for Children!Fluoride varnish is a protective coating painted on children’s teeth to help protect against cavities. Updated webpages and COVID-19 informationNiagara Region Public Health has recently updated their Schools and Child Care During COVID-19 webpage. This page provides Niagara-specific guidance for schools and childcare settings, along with helpful resources to support parents/caregivers. National Addictions Awareness WeekSubstance use is a complex, far-reaching and important issue This year, National Addictions Awareness Week is from November 21 to 27. The events held during this week provide an opportunity for our community to learn more about prevention, talk about treatment and recovery, as well as bring forward solutions for change. Substance use statistics in Niagara show that over 57 per cent of teens state they have had a drink once or more in the previous month, and 35 per cent of high school students report having tried cannabis at least once during the last year. COVID-19 is making the substance use landscape in Canada even more complex. It takes a wide range of perspectives and collective efforts to drive the needed change to shape a brighter future for people who use substances. |