Will Brampton workplaces be revealed now that Toronto will start identifying where COVID outbreaks take place
Published January 4, 2021 at 4:58 pm
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown says Peel Region should follow the lead of Toronto and start revealing the locations of COVID-19 outbreaks at workplaces.
Today (January 4), Toronto Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa announced the shift in policy after growing pressure to reveal the workplaces which, up to this point, have been protected under aspects of privacy laws. Dr. de Villa said data will be broken down by workplace type and won’t compromise individuals’ privacy.
Critics have been calling for such a move in Peel as workplaces here – especially in Brampton — are believed to be one of the major locations where the virus is spread.
As well, members of the public have been confused by the fact that schools and long-term care homes can be named, but not factories and warehouses.
“I will continue to push for Peel Public Health to do the same,” Mayor Brown said on Twitter. “Every outbreak should be public. We owe our residents complete transparency.”
Mayor Brown and other Peel politicians have asked Peel’s health department on a number of occasions for an explanation on the secrecy surrounding workplace outbreaks, but each time they are told it is a privacy matter.
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As part of the new Toronto rules, businesses there must immediately notify public health when they become aware of two or more infected employees.
Employers must also ensure that employees are aware of the benefits available to them if they are unable to work due to COVID-19.
Toronto Mayor John Tory says public reporting will motivate employers to protect their workers and offer clarity on where the virus is spreading in the city.
with files from The Canadian Press
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