COVID-19 Updates

August 22, 2022

ONA continues to monitor the status of the COVID-19 pandemic. Check this page for the most current information, resources and guidance.

ONA Members: If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your Bargaining Unit President. You can also send your COVID-19 questions to ONAmail@ona.org.

ONA Updates and Resources

ONA Vaccination Statement

The Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA) and its members are doing their part in both administering the vaccine and receiving it themselves.

ONA recommends that health-care workers receive the vaccine if they can, while recognizing that this is a decision that needs to be made by the health-care worker based on voluntary and informed consent, and where appropriate, with the advice of a health-care professional.

COVID-19 vaccinations, while beneficial in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, are not a complete answer, but only part of a health and safety and infection control program. ONA expects all employers to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and take every precaution reasonably necessary to protect the health and safety of workers. This includes easy access to, and the use of, N95 respirators and other personal protective equipment.

ONA encourages employers to remove the barriers that are likely causing vaccine hesitancy. Some employers are making little meaningful effort to facilitate staff vaccination uptake.

For example, are they hosting vaccine clinics at their workplaces? Are they providing sick pay to employees who cannot work following their vaccination due to side effects? Punishing or shaming unvaccinated employees is not the answer. Providing sick pay to any employee experiencing side effects, including part-time and casual employees, and providing paid time to obtain the vaccine would foster vaccine uptake.

Redeployment to Long-Term Care

Below is a checklist designed to help you ensure that you are provided with the training, education, information, instruction and supervision required to keep you safe during your deployment. If, after completing this checklist, any of the boxes remain unticked immediately advise your supervisor and speak to your JHSC ONA representative and your Bargaining Unit President.

Health and Safety Checklist for Redeployment

Questions and Answers

COVID-19 Q-and-A (February 2022)

ONA in the News

Visit our Media Room for the latest media releases and statements.

Follow ONA on your preferred social media channels, for the most up-to-date news and information that affects you and your colleagues.

Government Guidance and Resources

For the latest information, visit the Ontario government's COVID-19 webpage.

Communications (Orders, Directives and Memos)

Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 Orders, Directives, Memorandums and Other Resources

Emergency Orders

Government of Ontario Emergency Information

Guidance for the Health Sector

Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health's COVID-19 guidance page for the latest guidance for the health sector. Click here to view these guidance documents in French.

Government of Canada COVID-19: Guidance documents

Vaccines

Government of Canada Vaccines for COVID-19

Ontario Ministry of Health COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario

More Resources


Back