Updated August 2026, Current Ontario ESA and CPSO telemedicine standards.
Need a sick note in Ontario? MedLetter provides official physician-signed documentation for $49 with same-day delivery. No walk-in clinic visit needed — submit your request in 2 minutes and receive your note by email. Valid for employers, universities, and insurance across Ontario.
Long COVID in Ontario
Long COVID affects thousands who continue experiencing symptoms weeks or months after initial infection: fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating. As the pandemic's long-term effects become clearer, many Ontarians are finding themselves struggling to maintain their pre-illness work schedules. From tech workers at Shopify in Ottawa to warehouse employees at Amazon in Brampton (Bramalea, Heart Lake, Springdale, and surrounding areas), the impact of Long COVID is felt across all sectors of the provincial economy.
Is Long COVID a Disability in Ontario?
Yes. Long COVID is recognized as a disability under the Ontario Human Rights Code when it substantially limits daily activities. The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal has established precedents that protect workers suffering from chronic, post-viral conditions. This means that employers in cities like Toronto, Mississauga, and Hamilton have a legal obligation to accommodate employees suffering from Long COVID, up to the point of undue hardship.
Sick Notes for Long COVID
When dealing with Long COVID, you may need medical documentation for various situations:
- Initial recovery period
- Flare-ups preventing work
- Medical appointments
- Days when brain fog makes work impossible
Getting a sick note for these situations can be challenging, especially when you're already exhausted. Whether you're an employee of the Ontario Public Service (OPS) or working at a local business in Kitchener, having proper documentation is crucial for protecting your job and accessing benefits.
Accommodation Options
Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, employers must provide reasonable accommodations. For Long COVID sufferers, these might include:
- Reduced hours or part-time schedule
- Flexible start times
- Remote work to conserve energy
- Additional breaks
- Modified cognitive demands
- Gradual return-to-work plans
If you work for a large employer like TD Bank or RBC, they likely have established protocols for these accommodations. However, smaller employers in London or Windsor might need more guidance, which is where a detailed medical letter becomes invaluable.
Getting Documentation
MedLetter's CPSO-registered physicians provide both sick notes and accommodation letters for Long COVID same day. When you're dealing with the crushing fatigue of Long COVID, the last thing you need is to spend hours in a walk-in clinic waiting room. Our online service allows you to get the documentation you need from the comfort of your home. New sick-note requests are temporarily paused while we review our service. We are not accepting new orders at this time..
Ontario Employment Standards: Your Rights
Under Ontario's Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), employees are entitled to 3 unpaid sick days per year (some employers offer paid days). Important provisions:
- Employers cannot require a doctor's note for ESA-protected sick days as of January 2024 (Working for Workers Act amendments)
- The Ontario Human Rights Code requires employers to accommodate medical conditions to the point of undue hardship
- Federally regulated employees in Ontario get 10 paid sick days under the Canada Labour Code
- Many Ontario employers (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies) still request notes as a matter of company policy (distinct from legal requirement)
The Urgency of Medical Documentation
There are many scenarios where Ontario workers urgently need medical documentation for Long COVID:
- The Demanding Boss: Your manager demands a sick note by tomorrow morning, or you face disciplinary action.
- The Unexpected Flare-up: You woke up with severe brain fog and called in sick, but your company policy requires a note for any absence related to a chronic condition.
- After-Hours Needs: It's the weekend or evening, your symptoms have flared up, and all the walk-in clinics in your area are closed.
- WSIB Claims: You need immediate documentation to support a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claim if you contracted COVID-19 at work.
In these urgent situations, MedLetter provides a fast, reliable solution that meets all CPSO telemedicine guidelines.
Statistics: Healthcare Access in Ontario
According to Ontario Health and Statistics Canada (2025-2026):
- 2.3 million Ontarians lack a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner
- Average emergency room wait time in Ontario: over 4 hours for non-urgent cases
- Walk-in clinic wait times in the GTA: 1.5-3 hours on average
- Ontario has the lowest physician-to-population ratio of any large province
Comparing Your Options for Long COVID Documentation
When you need a sick note or accommodation letter for Long COVID in Ontario, you have a few options. Here is a comparison to help you decide:
| Option | Cost | Timeline | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MedLetter (Online) | $49 flat fee | Same-day (often 2-6 hours) | High (from home) | Urgent needs, severe fatigue, avoiding waiting rooms |
| Family Doctor | $20-50 (note fee) | Days to weeks for an appointment | Medium (requires travel) | Ongoing complex care management |
| Walk-in Clinic | $20-50 (note fee) | 1.5 - 4+ hours waiting | Low (travel + waiting) | When you don't have a family doctor but can wait |
| Emergency Room | $20-50 (note fee) | 4 - 12+ hours waiting | Very Low | Medical emergencies only |
Practical Steps for Ontario Employees
1. Know the ESA - Your your employer faces consequences for penalizing you for taking your 3 statutory sick days
2. Check your employment contract - Many Ontario employers (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies) offer 5-10 paid sick days beyond the ESA minimum
3. Unionized workers - OPSEU, CUPE, and Unifor contracts typically provide 12-18 paid sick days annually
4. Document everything - Keep a record of when you called in and who you spoke to
5. Accommodation requests - If you have a chronic condition, consider requesting formal workplace accommodation under the OHRC
When a Sick Note May Not Be Required
Under Ontario law, while the ESA provides some protection for short absences, smart employees still get documentation for:
- Your 3 annual ESA sick days (Working for Workers Act, 2024)
- Family responsibility leave (up to 3 days)
- Bereavement leave (up to 2 days)
- Domestic or sexual violence leave
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a sick note online in Ontario?
Yes. CPSO-licensed physicians can assess patients through virtual consultations and issue legally valid sick notes accepted by Ontario employers (including Shopify, TD Bank, RBC, Amazon, Loblaws, and government agencies).
How much does an online sick note cost in Ontario?
MedLetter charges a flat $49 for a sick note with same-day delivery. This includes the physician assessment and official documentation.
Will my Ontario employer accept an online sick note?
Yes. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario recognizes virtual care. Online sick notes are legally equivalent to in-person notes.
How long does it take to get a sick note from MedLetter?
Most sick notes are delivered within 2-6 hours of submission. Same-day delivery is standard.
What if my employer refuses to accept my Long COVID accommodation request?
If your employer refuses a reasonable accommodation request supported by medical documentation, they may be in violation of the Ontario Human Rights Code. You can file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. It's important to keep all written communication regarding your request.
Can I be fired for having Long COVID in Ontario?
No. Terminating an employee because they have a disability like Long COVID is discriminatory under the Ontario Human Rights Code. However, employers can terminate employment if they can prove "undue hardship" in accommodating the disability, which is a very high legal threshold to meet.
Does OHIP cover the cost of an online sick note?
No. OHIP covers the medical assessment, but the actual completion of third-party forms, including sick notes and accommodation letters, is an uninsured service. This is why clinics and online services charge a fee for the documentation itself.
Related: Sick Note Ontario, Complete City Guide | Ontario Sick Note Cost 2026 | Understanding ESA Sick Days