A week before February, health concerns in the Canada Post Gateway facility began to rise. In early stages, there were about 121 employees who tested positive for coronavirus. As of today, there’s a total of 275 positive cases and 350 employees impacted.
“Peel Public Health recommended that one shift be closed to break the chains of transmission and stop workplace spread,” said a Peel public health specialist who did not want to give a name. “This is not a facility closure, but a measure that will allow the employees on that shift to self-isolate for 14 days to help stop the spread.”
Doug Ettinger, president and chief of Canada Post, addressed the critical situation in a recent video.
“I understand and appreciate the concerns have been heightened and we must respond,” Ettinger said.
It was reported on Jan. 25 an employee at the Dixie Road facility died from COVID implications.
“Our Gateway facility has been hard hit,” Ettinger said in the video. The deceased “was colleague to many, a friend to those who knew him well and a husband and father to those who knew him best. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family.”
A line-up of delivery trucks at Dixie’s Gateway facility, gives a glimpse of the currently vacant parking lot.
As per instructions given by Peel Public Health experts, Canada Post prioritizes re-molding safety procedures within each delivery service location.
“Our measures include enhanced cleaning and sanitization, mandatory mask or face coverings while on Canada Post property, practicing physical distancing at all times, and ongoing verbal and visual reminders of the importance of following these measures,” media director Phil Legault said .
“Customers are being advised to expect delays with their parcels as we follow contingency plans to maintain operations at Gateway and provide an essential service,m” he said. “Peel Public Health has advised it is safe to continue operating, but volumes remain heavy,” says Legault.