Two Saskatoon Transit Employees recently test positive for COVID-19 outside workplace

For immediate release: November 17, 2020 - 10:30 am

FI20-1748

The City has recently been informed that two Saskatoon Transit Operators have tested positive for COVID-19. The first individual received a positive diagnosis on Friday, November 13 and the second individual received their diagnosis on Monday, November 16.

"Neither of these cases are related and unlikely to be linked to transmission within the workplace. Both individuals have relayed that they were exposed to the virus in settings outside of the workplace," says Mike Moellenbeck, Operations Manager for Saskatoon Transit. "Due to the need to protect the privacy of the individuals, we cannot provide further details about the positive cases."

The City has implemented health and safety protocols and precautions to protect both employees and the public. This includes mandatory masks for all riders, proper hygiene and vinyl barriers for drivers

"We understand this may cause concern for bus riders. This situation stresses the importance of the layers of protection the City has put in place to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 on Saskatoon Transit."

Below are the affected routes and time periods. If you were riding the bus during these time periods, it is always a good idea to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and stay home and call HealthLine 811 to arrange for testing if symptoms occur.

**UPDATED LIST DUE TO SASKATCHEWAN HEALTH AUTHORITY (SHA) CONTACT TRACING PROCESS**

Nov 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14: Route 15 Civic Operations Centre
Nov 7, 4:45 pm to 11:45 pm: Route 2 Meadowgreen
Nov 8, 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Route 50 Lakeview/University
Nov 10, 5:00 pm to 11:45 pm: Route 1 Exhibition and Route 7 Dundonald
Nov 11, 4:45 to 10:30 pm: Route 12 River Heights and Route 19 Centre Mall
Nov 14, 4:00 pm to 1:30 am: Route 2 Meadowgreen
Nov 15, 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Route 50 Lakeview/University

Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting have taken place in all impacted busses and areas since the positive cases were identified.

"It is our understanding that SHA will be following up and contacting individuals identified as close contacts as per their contact tracing process and providing information to them on the next steps. The City will support SHA in their contact tracing process as necessary," says Moellenbeck.

The City also has processes in place so supervisors can be aware of which employees need to be sent home if necessary or contact Health Line at 811 for further instruction.

Moellenbeck emphasizes that, "this positive case reminds us that we all have a shared responsibility to limit the transmission risk of COVID-19 in our community. Stay home if you are feeling unwell, follow all Public Health Orders and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others."