Around 80 workers self-isolating amid COVID-19 outbreak at Mississauga Canada Post facility

Around 80 employees and contractors who work at a Canada Post facility in Mississauga have been instructed to self-isolate amid a COVID-19 outbreak.

A statement from the postal service said Peel Public Health directed afternoon shift employees at the Toronto Exchange Office on Tuesday to isolate for 10 days.

The office is located at Canada Post’s Gateway facility, which experienced an outbreak earlier this year involving hundreds of cases.

“Canada Post received the direction from Peel Public Health regarding shift three at the Toronto Exchange Office on April 27 under a section 22 order on workplaces,” the statement said.

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Peel Public Health orders partial closure of 2 Amazon fulfillment centres

“We have moved to quickly comply and notify employees. In the last seven days, 12 employees who work in the location have tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in Peel Public Health’s declaration of an outbreak at the Toronto Exchange Office.”

The statement said workers at the Gateway facility continue to be offered voluntary on-site rapid testing.

“Paid leave provisions” are in place for workers, Canada Post said.

The statement went on to say that the Toronto Exchange Office is where inbound international items arrive and added that while contingency plans are being made to minimize the impact on customers, those expecting international mail can anticipate delays.

Additional workplace closure orders in Peel Region

The news comes as Peel Region announced five more partial workplace closures Tuesday.

Affected businesses include a Canadian Tire distribution centre in Brampton and a car dealership in Mississauga.

A Peel Public Health spokesperson told Global News a partial closure order for the Canada Post facility will appear on their website Wednesday.

Current workplace closures in Peel Region pic.twitter.com/8ZuShOXumg

— Ryan Rocca (@Reporter_Ryan) April 28, 2021

The medical officer of health for Peel Region, Dr. Lawrence Loh, issued a Section 22 order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act last week and it took effect Friday.

The order allows closures to happen for 10 days after five cases have been identified and “have been reasonably acquired in the workplace” within 14 days. Affected workers then have to self-isolate.

On Saturday, the health unit said the first two businesses affected were both Amazon fulfillment centres: one on Heritage Road in Brampton and another on Coleraine Drive in Bolton.

Peel declares postal outbreak over, accountability questions remain