Transit Driver In Stratford Tests Positive For COVID-19

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Friday, 10 April 2020 18:49

Huron Perth Public Health says the transit driver became sick on April 1st and began self-isolating at home while their spouse, also a transit driver, is showing symptoms of COVID-19 as well and their test results are pending.

STRATFORD - A transit driver in Stratford has tested positive for COVID-19.

The Huron Perth Public Health received the result today, however, given the preventative measures put in place by the city for its transit employees and riders, the risk to the public is considered low.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen says this case is an example of why people should practice physical distancing.

“Given that we know COVID-19 is in our community, we are not surprised to see cases showing up in workplaces and in the service industry. This is a good example of why we are urging people and workplaces to practice physical distancing and infection control.”

The transit driver became sick on April 1st and began self-isolating at home.

While they drove the bus on the days leading up to their illness, the there were infection control measures already implemented by the City of Stratford to protect riders and other drivers. Rigorous daily cleaning, passenger entry and exit only through the rear door of the bus, bypassing the fare box, and keeping seats behind the driver empty were among the measures that were implemented.

The City of Stratford is consulting with HPPH to determine if there will be necessary changes made to the transit service.

Mayor Dan Mathieson says they're looking at everything in order to lower the spread of the virus.

“The safety of our employees and the community as a whole is our top priority, so we want to make sure we're doing everything we can to reduce the risk of transmission.”

Dr. Klassen explains what their investigation has told them so far.

“What we know about COVID-19 is that it needs close contact between people to spread, and our investigation is showing that there was no close contact with members of the public during the days leading up to the driver becoming ill.

The driver’s wife is also a transit driver and is showing symptoms of COVID-19 and their test results are pending. HPPH's investigation into the spouse has started and the risk is also considered low.

Dr. Klassen says it is important to practice social distancing right now.

“It’s entirely possible that the next person who tests positive for COVID-19 could be a grocery store employee or staff person at a take-out restaurant, or, as we have seen, a healthcare worker. With people practicing physical distancing and workplaces taking extra precautions, we can minimize exposure if and when this happens and break the chains of transmission.”

There are 30 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Huron and Perth as of April 10th.

Right now two long-term care homes have confirmed cases of COVID-19 as Hillside Manor has 1 case and Greenwood Court has 11 cases. HPPH is continuing to work closely with the long-term care homes to contain the outbreak and protect the residents and staff.

Public Health work will continue over the weekend, with public health staff following up on any new cases, helping to manage outbreaks in long-term care homes and continuing surveillance of ongoing cases and contacts.

The website will be updated daily over the weekend with confirmed case numbers Also, the Health Line phone intake line will be open from Friday, April 10 to Monday, April 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Dr. Klassen says thank you to those who are practicing social distancing right now.

“Thank you to everyone who is practicing physical distancing and taking extra measures to keep everyone around them safe and protected.”

You can go here to learn more information and see the updated numbers.