Ontario will extend the temporary paid sick leave program by about eight months as the province continues to fight the spread of COVID-19.

The program, which provides up to three paid sick days per employee, will remain in effect until March 31, 2023.

It was originally set to expire at the end of July. In a press release issued on Thursday, the government said eligible workers will continue to receive up to $200 per day if they need to get tested, vaccinated, self-isolate, or care for a family member sick with COVID-19.

Doug Ford's government amended the Employment Standards Act for the first time in April 2021 to allow three paid sick days in an effort to reduce COVID-19 transmission in essential workplaces.

The program was supposed to be in place for about six months, but has been extended several times.

The program remains temporary and dedicated to the novel coronavirus.

In December, Labour Minister Monte McNaughton said he was committed to providing three paid sick days throughout the pandemic.

He said, "I will keep my promise and we will make sure that those paid sick days are there as long as COVID is around."

"This is the front and center for me. It’s a priority. I will make sure workers have paid sick leave throughout this pandemic."