Over 60 COVID-19 cases linked to outbreak at Vaughan window factory

York Region Public Health confirmed a COVID-19 outbreak at a Vaughan facility with over 60 cases reported.

On Sunday, the public health unit issued a notice stating that an outbreak took place at State Windows Corporation, a window design, engineering, manufacturing and installation facility located at 220 Hunter’s Valley Road in the City of Vaughan.

York Region Public Health first received notification of a cluster of coronavirus cases linked to State Windows Corporation on November 10, of which there are now 62 cases.

Of the cases, seven are from York Region, 28 are from Peel Region, 22 are from the City of Toronto, and five are from Simcoe-Muskoka.

In addition to these 62 confirmed cases, there are also five probable cases and one case under investigation.

“York Region Public Health continues to work with other public health units involved in this outbreak. Positive test results and information including symptom on-set dates are reported to the jurisdiction where the individual resides, which are subsequently shared or linked back to the workplace through further investigation and referrals,” the notice said.

The public health unit also said they are working with the Ministry of Labour for the on-going investigation.

On November 20, 2020, York Region Public Health recommended a range of prevention measures, including; providing face shields, individual hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to workers; increasing monitoring of adherence to physical distancing requirements and maximum occupancy limits in washrooms; introducing cleaning of lunchroom tables after every use; and introducing multi-lingual screeners to address language barriers.

This is the second outbreak at this workplace; the initial outbreak was declared on May 17 and closed on July 6 with 17 cases.