Ontario Construction News staff writer
An employee at the City of Ottawa’s building code services division, working at the front counter, has tested positive for COVID-19.
Steve Willis, general manager, planning, infrastructure and economic development, reported in a memo on Tuesday that the employee is is currently in self-isolation at home and was last in attendance at the service counter at Ben Franklin Place (101 Centrepointe Dr.) on Friday July 31.
“Staff from the area who were exposed to the staff member are being informed and told to isolate for 14 days. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is following up with anyone who may have been in close contact with the individual.” Willis wrote. “Building Code Services counter services at Ben Franklin Place will be closed until further notice.”
“We have contingency plans for this potential event and have closely followed OPH’s (Ottawa Public Health) recommendations to ensure a safe working environment that controls risk and is as safe as possible. Health and safety are our top priority and we have ensured stringent safety measures are in place including active self-screening of staff, smaller groups, enhanced health and safety measures, physical distancing measures as well as enhanced cleaning and disinfection of work spaces. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow the recommendations of OPH to ensure our services are offered in the safest possible way.”
