News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Reminder: Employer Reimbursement Program for Paid Sick Leave
This is a reminder of the extended submission window for employers seeking reimbursement for employee claims for COVID-19 related sick leave taken between May 20th and December 31st, 2021.
The reimbursement program intake is open and will close on February 11th at 4:00 pm PST.
Please submit all eligible claims for reimbursement for employee COVID-19 related sick leave taken up to and including December 31st in order to access the reimbursement program.
Employers that already have a sick pay benefit program for their employees are not eligible to receive reimbursement.
For an employer to apply for reimbursement, they must do so through their Online WorkSafeBC account profile. If the employer is not already registered with WorkSafeBC and does not have an online account with WorkSafeBC, they can visit WorkSafeBC.
This is a reminder of the extended submission window for employers seeking reimbursement for employee claims for COVID-19 related sick leave taken between May 20th and December 31st, 2021.
The reimbursement program intake is open and will close on February 11th at 4:00 pm PST.
Please submit all eligible claims for reimbursement for employee COVID-19 related sick leave taken up to and including December 31st in order to access the reimbursement program.
Employers that already have a sick pay benefit program for their employees are not eligible to receive reimbursement.
For an employer to apply for reimbursement, they must do so through their Online WorkSafeBC account profile. If the employer is not already registered with WorkSafeBC and does not have an online account with WorkSafeBC, they can visit WorkSafeBC.
New Order Requires Employers to Re-Activate COVID-19 Safety Plans | Order Now Available
On January 7, 2022, B.C.’s provincial health officer verbally announced an order requiring employers to re-activate their COVID-19 safety plans. This new order replaces the previous requirement for employers to have communicable disease prevention plans and does not have an expiration date.
go2HR is offering a complimentary COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service to B.C.’s tourism and hospitality employers.
Register for Safety Plan Review →
For other templates, signage, guidelines, and business support visit:
On January 7, 2022, B.C.’s provincial health officer verbally announced an order requiring employers to re-activate their COVID-19 safety plans. This new order replaces the previous requirement for employers to have communicable disease prevention plans and does not have an expiration date.
The order requires COVID-19 Safety Plans to incorporate some expanded and new controls, including:
Indoor common area protocols to prevent workers from congregating
face coverings used in indoor common areas
lunch area/break room protocols
Policies to support workers who have symptoms of a communicable disease
to avoid the workplace
when symptoms present in the workplace
work from home options
self-isolation and monitoring
Measures to promote hand hygiene
handwashing and sanitizing
Measures to keep the workplace environment safe
cleaning and sanitizing
ventilation and air circulation
Measures to support workers receiving vaccinations for COVID-19
Your new and improved COVID-19 Safety Plan must be communicated and maintained by:
Posting a copy of the COVID-19 safety plan on your website for staff, visitors, and the public to view.
Providing a copy of the COVID-19 safety plan to a health officer or WorkSafeBC officer upon request.
Reviewing and updating the plan periodically to ensure adequate prevention measures are being followed, according to WorkSafeBC requirements and the current COVID-19 public health situation.
go2HR’s COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service and Resources
go2HR is offering a complimentary COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service to B.C.’s tourism and hospitality employers.
Register for Safety Plan Review →
If you have questions about these COVID-19 control measures or how to update your COVID-19 safety plan, health and safety experts are available to assist. Contact go2HR at 604-633-9787 or safety@go2hr.ca.
Additional Resources
For other templates, signage, guidelines, and business support visit: