Ontario workers can use COVID-19 rapid test or medical note to make WSIB claims
CTV
Ontarians who suspect they caught COVID-19 at work can make claims with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board even without a positive result from a PCR test now that the gold-standard assessment tool is no longer available to most residents.
A top executive with the board says, however, that individuals should still try to get a medical opinion or rapid test to confirm their infection.
"Our approach hasn't changed too dramatically," said Scott Bujeya, chief operations officer with the board, which supports those injured at work. "The information gathering that we're doing is very similar to what we would have been doing pre-Omicron."
The province announced late last year that it was limiting access to PCR tests to certain high-risk groups in light of a massive surge in cases of the Omicron variant.
Bujeya said in an interview that those trying to file WSIB claims related to COVID-19 wouldn't be out of luck without a rapid test or doctor's note, but the board "would certainly encourage" them to speak with a medical professional through a virtual walk-in or telephone appointment.
