In the past week, two additional Metrolinx employees have tested positive for COVID-19 including a staff member working exclusively from home and a bus operator working out of the Oshawa garage.

Any time a staff person or contractor tests positive, the Metrolinx safety team works with local public health units to assist with contact tracing to determine any staff who may need to consider being tested or require self-isolation.  Metrolinx also does any special cleaning required and ensure staff are kept completely informed. If there are any potential customers who may be at risk, they are informed as well. 

Out of over 4,300 Metrolinx employees, half of whom remain working from home, 77 have now tested positive for COVID-19 – less than 2 per cent of the workforce. There have been three workplace transmissions since March 2020 and one outbreak declared (two positive cases at the same location in a two-week period) that is now over.

Metrolinx safety protocols such as masks, PPE and distancing, employee health checks, upgraded ventilation and sanitization, along with barriers on trains, buses and in stations have together helped limit the spread of the virus. There have been no outbreaks related to trains, buses or stations.

Everyone’s efforts are paying off as the numbers are beginning to come down, but it is important to remain focused on the basics from public health to prevent a third wave:

• Stay home except for essential trips
• Stay home if ill or potentially exposed to COVID-19
• Wear a face covering and ensure both the nose and mouth is covered at all times (Check out the Metrolinx PPE dispensers and branded masks)
• Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer
• Download the COVID Alert App so you can alert others if you test positive.