ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has required governments around the world to institute severe physical-distancing measures to reduce the spread of the virus in order to protect public health and ensure health care system capacity. Mitigation measures in many countries, including Canada, have incorporated the temporary closure of nonessential businesses, which has led to bleak employment and economic outlooks. Essential businesses that were allowed to remain open have, in many cases, led to the ongoing spread of the pandemic. Factories with employees working in close proximity have been particularly affected, not only putting the health and safety of the workforce at risk, but also negatively affecting supply chains and downstream businesses. As we begin to gradually relax the public health measures that have been implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Canada, it is essential to consider how to limit the risk of the disease in the workplace.