Two Town of Georgina employees test positive for COVID-19

By: Mike Anderson

The Town was forced to tackle a workplace outbreak last week, as two of its Civic Centre employees tested positive for COVID-19.

According to York Region Public Health, the two employees experienced symptoms on June 10 and 13, respectively. And, received positive test results on June 19 and 20.

Public health said the infections likely occurred in the workplace.

However, all of the employees’ workplace contacts have been identified and tested, and results are negative.

The employees were also advised to self-isolate for 14 days.

According to the Town, neither employee works directly with the public.

The Civic Centre, which has been closed to the public since March, was vacated by staff on June 19 to allow for a deep cleaning and disinfection process, which was completed by a third party.

The disinfection process included cleaning all offices, touch-points, door handles, desks and keyboards.

Staff were permitted back in the building on June 22.

According to the Town, additional protective and disinfecting procedures have also been adopted by staff.

“At every step through this process, the Town has taken the health and safety of staff members seriously. The Town continues its work of ensuring a safe workplace through physical distancing and the use of masks, and increased cleaning protocols in the building,” said David Reddon, the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), in a statement emailed to The Post.

“From the beginning, we have reinforced the message of frequent hand washing, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, staying home if you do not feel well and limiting social gatherings based on direction from the province.”

Meanwhile, according to the York COVID-19 dashboard, the Town of Georgina has 11 active cases of COVID-19 — up from eight active cases reported on June 1.

The municipality has one active institutional outbreak at River Glen Haven Nursing Home in Sutton, which has resulted in 90 resident and 37 staff infections, and 35 deaths.

To date, there have been 151 confirmed cases in Georgina with 105 cases resolved or recovered.