Businesses face wide-ranging issues as the world responds to the COVID 19 pandemic. Here is the latest guidance from Torys.
Businesses are stepping in to help the global fight against the pandemic. Life sciences companies are manufacturing and distributing urgently needed personal protective equipment for frontline workers, and medical devices such as test kits and respirators.
Health Canada has in turn taken steps to expediate approvals of these products, even where they may not meet current regulatory requirements. However, unlike in the United States, Canada has not adopted measures to limit potential claims that may arise from their distribution and sale.
In our latest guidance we consider the scope of protection available to life sciences companies in this context, and steps they can take to mitigate their exposure to potential future third-party claims.
Meanwhile, organizations are sharing data about employees, customers and other personal data with governments and public health authorities to give them better insight into the virus's spread and the effectiveness of containment strategies. In doing so, organizations must not lose sight of their ongoing privacy obligations when handling personal information. Read our insights on sharing personal information with government agencies in the context of COVID-19.
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