Passenger on multiple GO trips tests positive for COVID-19 variant prompting alert to riders

GO Train riders on four separate trips are being advised to get tested for COVID-19 after a passenger screened positive for a virus variant.

York Region Public Health said it was notified on February 17 that a passenger with COVID-19 had travelled on the Barrie Line GO Train while infectious earlier this month.

The case was later identified as a variant of concern by provincial laboratory screening, according to the public health unit.

The infected individual travelled between Rutherford Station and Union Station twice on February 9 and twice on February 10. They were asymptomatic at the time and wore a mask.

The person, who is a resident of York Region, developed COVID-19 symptoms on February 11, at which point they began self-isolating.

The health unit said a public notification is “warranted” due to new provincial guidance on variants of concern.

Individuals on the below trips are advised to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible, even if they are asymptomatic, and should self-monitor for symptoms until February 24.

• Tuesday, February 9, 2021
  • Boarded 7:33 am Southbound from Rutherford Station to Union Station with arrival at approximately 8 am
  • Boarded 5:05 pm Northbound from Union Station to Rutherford station with arrival at approximately 5:40 pm
• Wednesday, February 10, 2021
  • Boarded 7:33 am Southbound from Rutherford Station to Union Station with arrival at approximately 8 am
  • Boarded 5:05 pm Northbound from Union Station to Rutherford Station with arrival at approximately 5:40 pm

In the notification, York Region Public Health reminded residents that providing a full history of close contacts is “crucial” to controlling the pandemic.

“Close contact continues to be the largest factor in the spread of the COVID-19 virus in York Region,” the health unit said.

To date, Ontario has seen 290,771 COVID-19 cases and 6,820 virus-related deaths.