Entire shift at Mississauga Canada Post facility told to isolate as COVID-19 outbreak grows

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An entire shift of workers at Canada Post’s Mississauga facility has been instructed to self-isolate as the site’s COVID-19 outbreak spreads to nearly 200 workers.

A media relations spokesperson for the company confirmed to Daily Hive that employees and contractors on shift 3 – the afternoon shift – in Gateway East were told to leave work on January 22 and self-isolate for 14 days.

Shift 3 employees who were not working on Friday have been instructed not to return to the facility for 14 days from the last day they were at work.

“This precautionary measure was recommended by Peel Public Health late Friday, January 22, as the most effective way to control further spread at this stage,” said Phil Legault.

“Canada Post has been following the guidance of Public Health throughout the pandemic, and working with them especially closely as COVID-19 cases have risen in the community and among some employees.”

Rapid testing of employees has resulted in 42 positive COVID-19 tests over the last four days, Legault said. The facility has now seen 190 virus cases since January 1.

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A senior spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency confirmed that officers who had been working on the main floor of the facility were moved to the upstairs mezzanine.

There is a “limited” presence of Canada Post employees in that area, Rebecca Purdy said.

She noted that, to date, the outbreak has not spread to any CBSA staff members at the site.

Beginning next week, Legault said Canada Post will conduct rapid on-site testing of employees working shift 2. Those who refuse to be tested will need to self-isolate for 14 days.

As well, voluntary testing of other Gateway facility employees will be accelerated.

“Given the significance of the Gateway facility within our processing network, we are evaluating and adapting our existing contingency plans to manage the impact on customers,” Legault told Daily Hive.