March 15, 2020
Today, Interim City Manager Adam Laughlin confirmed that a City of Edmonton employee has tested positive for novel coronavirus. The case is travel related.
“As Edmontonians, we know that the COVID-19 virus is in our community. Today, the disease came even closer to home, as one of the confirmed cases is a City of Edmonton employee,” said Laughlin. “I want to be clear that we are responding calmly and effectively to it. Our priority is always health and safety—both for our employees and the broader public.”
“First, let me reassure you that the person who tested positive is being taken care of. The employee is in self-isolation at home, as AHS has directed. We care about the employee’s well-being and will continue to be in regular contact to provide support, just as if he or she were in the workplace. And when AHS terminates the self isolation, our colleague will be welcomed back at work.”
Public health officials have followed up with the employee’s colleagues and those who need to self-isolate have been notified. This was a clear indication of the system working, with all those involved being notified by AHS within hours. Laughlin said the affected employee is not in a role that involves frequent contact with the public. The employee’s place of work has been vigorously and thoroughly disinfected.
“As an employer, we will support whatever testing and self-isolation requirements are needed, and employees will not suffer financially as a result.”
The City’s recent decision to close recreational facilities and other attractions is not related to the news of this positive test.
Interim City Manager Adam Laughlin will be holding a media availability tomorrow to address this topic and provide an update on what the actions the City is taking around COVID-19.
