City of Toronto will reopen office despite emergence of Omicron variant

It has been reported that the City of Toronto has every intention of keeping the January 4th return to the office date for city employees in place. This is despite the fact that there are early indications that the emerging Omicron variant of COVID-19 is more infectious than the currently dominant Delta variant.

As of now, transmission rates for both the vaccinated and unvaccinated remain unknown for Omicron, raising additional questions about already contentious mandatory vaccination policies. Couple this blind spot with the fact that daily case counts in Ontario have doubled over the past month, and there is legitimate cause for concern.

City to monitor the spread of Omicron variant

Mayor Tory has advised that City officials are keeping an eye on the spread of Omicron. But, given the number of gathering holidays between now and January 4th, the City’s current position is curious, to say the least. By forcing City employees back to the office there is a real risk of a further wave of cases.  That could have significant consequences, both in the form of increased costs related to escalating sick leave and adverse health impacts amongst staff and their families.

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Is it the right time to force a return to the office?

One can appreciate the City’s desire to return to the office after two years of remote operations.  But given the risks associated with forcing this transition, now may not be the appropriate time. Employers facing a similar decision would be wise to take note.

Only time, case numbers, and hospitalizations will tell, what the right course of action is. For now, it appears as though City employees should prepare to dust off their puffy coats, find their key cards, and check for new construction on their usual commute, as current indications are that they will be back in the office come January, Omicron be damned.

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Knowledge Centre

Update

After the publication of this article, the City of Toronto backtracked on its stance. It will delay the recall of remote workers due to the surge of the Omicron variant.