Your Weekly COVID-19 Update

June 2, 2021

Paid Infectious Disease Emergency Leave and the WSIB (UPDATE)

In May, the Employment Standards Act was amended to require employers to provide employees with up to three (3) days of paid infectious disease emergency leave for reasons related to COVID-19. Eligible employers are entitled to be reimbursed the amount of infectious disease emergency leave pay that they paid to their employees, up to $200 per employee per day taken. Payments are scheduled to begin by the end of June and happen on a bi-weekly basis thereafter.

The online application for reimbursement for employers is now available along with the Ontario COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit guidelines which outline the information required when submitting an application to the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB). Please note there is no requirement for an employer to be registered with the WSIB to be considered eligible and receive reimbursement.

Pandemic Recovery Member Survey Results

Thank you to the more than 1,400 members who provided their responses to the latest Pandemic Recovery Member survey. In general, the results show a glimmer of hope with an undertone of vigilance and caution given we are moving into a new and uncharted phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are some of the highlights:

• 95 per cent of members report having received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 87 per cent already have their second appointment booked.
• On average, the reported number of daily patients seen is slowly approaching the pre-pandemic levels, although associates are seeing fewer patients than owners.
• There is a decline in the number of members who are feeling highly concerned about the risk of COVID-19 transmission to their family, staff, patients or themselves. This is supported by the limited number of those reporting that they or their staff had tested positive.
• There is limited interest in continuing to use teledentistry after the pandemic.
• There is only moderate support for expanding scope to be able to conduct COVID-19 tests or provide any vaccines. This is coupled with only one third of respondents asking for these items to be a high advocacy priority.
• Fifty per cent of responding members are likely to participate in the Provincial Antigen Screening program.

The results are being reported to the various ODA volunteer committees to help inform their activities. Thank you again for your continued involvement. This feedback ensures the ODA has the information to make decisions to represent and develop resources to meet your needs.

Membership renewal is happening now

Renew your ODA membership for 2021-2022 and continue receiving the invaluable, wide range of support the ODA offers its members. To bring you a greater sense of security and flexibility, you have two payment options – pay in full now or select the no-interest, 12-month installment plan with no administration fee.

Renew online, or contact us at member@oda.ca or by calling 1-800-387-1393.

Latest PPE offers

This week’s PPE offers include offers on first aid and safety and discounts on products. Find the latest offers or learn more about the PPE vendor programs on the ODA website.

Highlights and Stewardship Report from General Council

The annual meeting of General Council was held virtually on May 14 and 15, 2021. A high-level summary of events and Dr. Lesli Hapak’s Stewardship Report is posted on the ODA website.

Next week is the 2021 Atlantic Virtual Dental Convention

Taking place from June 10 to 12, 2021, this is the first virtual convention hosted by all four Atlantic provincial dental associations. This event includes 24 continuing education courses, wellness activities, social events, and a virtual trade show. To learn more, go to avdc2021.com.

Canadian Dental Association (CDA) Update

On May 20, the CDA sent out its latest COVID-19 update. Some of the information contained in the CDA’s update may not be suitable or applicable to Ontario dentists. If you have questions about national activities, please contact the ODA at member@oda.ca.