The risks and impacts of COVID-19 continue to evolve. The health and safety of everyone remains of utmost priority. Staying on top of the latest recommendations from health authorities is crucial.

For our hard-hit tourism sector, questions surround how to overcome the decline in business resulting from restrictions, how to safely navigate reopening (for customers and staff), and how to retain talent amidst uncertainty.

Below, we have gathered guidance and resources to help the tourism workforce. We continue to update the site with the latest advice and recommend bookmarking this page and checking back routinely.

Plan

  • Review emergency and contingency plans
  • Examine all policies regarding sick leave, working remotely, and caring for family members
  • Assess workplace hygiene practices
  • Check HR policies, particularly around furloughing staff and layoffs, but also re-hiring and training
  • Collect resources from government health authorities, industry associations, and employment advisors
  • Identify and fix any gaps, reflecting the latest advice 

Educate

  • Create a central information hub and update it regularly with everything from regional reopening guidance to changes to workplace processes
  • Post flyers and/or send emails with resources from public health authorities
  • Train staff on how to maintain physical distancing, safely use masks, and navigate changes to work routines 
  • Communicate work from home and leave policies
  • Explain any changes to travel, meetings, and events policies

Provide

  • Clear visual and written instructions on hygiene, hand washing, cleaning the workplace, physical distancing, etc.
  • Soap and paper towels
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Tissues
  • Masks (and other PPE, as advised)
  • Plexiglass barriers where suitable
  • Markings to establish physical distancing of at least 2 metres

Support

  • Encourage anyone not feeling well to stay home
  • If possible, be flexible with hours or offer the opportunity to work remotely
  • Cross-train staff so more than one person can take on tasks
  • Designate a point of contact for any questions or concerns (and make sure they are equipped for the role!)
  • Provide alternatives for employees at increased risk, such working on tasks away from the public
  • Offer mental health resources
  • Seek feedback on how well policies and procedures are working and whether they are clearly understood by staff and customers/clients

National Health Authority Resources

Mental Health Resources

As the sudden, unprecedented disruptions of the pandemic turn to ongoing uncertainty, job loss, lack of connection, and more, many of us feel anxious, worried, lonely, sad, and scared. Below is a list of national resources that can be of assistance in helping to manage the stress around the COVID-19 situation:

Provincial/Territorial Government and Health Authority Resources

Industry Resources

Business Resources

Federal Support for Businesses, Employers, and Entrepreneurs

The Government of Canada has established a range of support programs for businesses. These include:

The most current list of programs is found here, with programs of specific interest to the tourism sector found here.

Federal Support for Individuals and Employees

The Government of Canada has implemented a number of measures to assist individuals. The most current benefits are described here.

Travel Advice