Several employees working as baggage handlers at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have been tested positive for COVID-19.
Michael Hough, CEO of Strategic Aviation, confirmed that several of their employees have been tested positive for COVID-19.
“We have made contact with all affected team members and are learning that everyone is experiencing either no or mild symptoms and are isolating under self-care,” said Hough in an email.
“We look forward to their quick recovery and return.”
Hough added that the company is limiting any further spread of the virus with additional sanitization on all surfaces in the workplace.
Temperature checks, face masks and social distancing protocols have been required for all team members in the workplace since the first days of the pandemic, said Hough.
“For the health and safety of everyone, we continually remind our team members to never come to work if they feel unwell in any way. We remain committed to these measures and any others recommended by health authorities.”
Meanwhile, Strategic Aviation notified Vancouver Airport Authority when it learned of these cases and is working directly with the public health authorities.
The airport authority said they are working closely with Strategic Aviation to stay in contact with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and is following “stringent” occupational health and safety protocols.
“Vancouver Coastal Health has confirmed that there is no outbreak declared at YVR and that there is no risk to the public or other airport workers as a result of these cases,” said Vancouver Airport Authority in a media statement.
The airport authority has been in regular contact with VCH to monitor the situation and to see if any actions are needed.
