The Saskatchewan Health Authority is advising the public of increased COVID-19 exposure for locations in Estevan.
According to a news release issued Tuesday afternoon, individuals who tested COVID-19 positive were at the following businesses when likely infectious:
- Sept.鈥嬧�� 28-Oct. 1: Affinity Credit Union, Estevan location, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.;
- Sept. 29 and Oct. 1: Estevan Leisure Centre, 6:20-6:50 p.m.;
- Oct. 1: Willy's The Tap House Restaurant, starting at 7:30 p.m.;听
- Oct. 1: Sobey鈥檚, from 5-5:45 p.m.; and
- Oct. 2: Affinity Credit Union, Estevan, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Oct. 4: Sobey's from 10:30-11:30 a.m.听
This marks the first time that the SHA has issued an advisory for sites in Estevan.
Affinity Credit Union announced on the weekend that their Estevan location would be closed from Monday through Wednesday this week after someone who was diagnosed with COVID-19 was at the credit union from Sept. 23-25.
鈥淭he Saskatchewan Health Authority considers this a low-risk incident,鈥� Affinity said in a news release.
In an interview with the Mercury, CEO Mark Lane said that a second person at the credit union had tested positive for the virus. Both are employees, although Lane could not divulge which departments they worked in, due to privacy reasons, nor could he say whether they鈥檙e from the same department.
鈥淲e were made aware Friday evening, and took steps to immediately notify our team in Estevan,鈥� said Lane.
Lane said Affinity decided to close the advice centre, rather than the area where the employees work, because the credit union wants to be cautious.
鈥淒ating back to March, when we have had localized instances that have affected our advice centre network, we鈥檝e taken the opportunity to take a pause,鈥� said Lane.听
This marked the first time that Affinity has had to close one of its branches due to a positive COVID test.
The advice centre will undergo extensive cleaning, including disinfecting high-touch areas and ensuring there is a thoroughly clean work space.
Members can continue to access the night deposit and ATM services, as well as their advisors via telephone. Members can also still do their day-to-day banking using online banking, the Affinity mobile app, telebanking or by reaching out to their contact centre. They can also deposit cheques using their mobile device with the deposit anywhere feature and send or receive money through Interac e-transfer.
Lane noted that many of the employees have taken the initiative to get tested, especially since the branch was closed for three days.
鈥淎s we do return, we can return with the confidence that we鈥檝e got a safe work space, and for those that felt the need, they鈥檝e also had a chance to be assured that they鈥檙e not infected,鈥� he said.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority has completed its investigation and has notified any close contacts. They鈥檝e also notified employees and members of the Estevan advice centre and instructed them to self-monitor for symptoms.
Also, The Tap House acknowledged earlier this afternoon that an individual who tested COVID-19 positive was at The Tap House while likely infectious. In a Facebook message posted a couple of hours before the SHA news release was issued, The Tap House said the person was in the restaurant between the hours of 7:30-10 p.m.; the SHA news release reported the person was there from 7:30-8 p.m.
"Please be assured that our staff have been working diligently since reopening to ensure the safety of all patrons and staff," the post said. "All tables including seats and high traffic areas are 小蓝视频 sanitized after each use. Prior to every shift, our staff completes a symptom checklist including temperatures and are not permitted to work if displaying any symptoms."
In a news release, the city said it received notice from the Saskatchewan Health Authority on Oct. 6 that individuals who tested COVID-19 positive were at the Estevan Leisure Centre.
The Sask. Health Authority rates the risk level as a low risk of transmission. Still, they will continue to advise of any risk changes, and the City of Estevan Leisure Centre will follow their direction.
Public Health officials are advis鈥嬧�媔ng individuals who were at these locations on the specified dates during the specified times to immediately self-isolate if they have had or currently have symptoms of COVID-19 and to call HealthLine 811 to arrange for testing. All other individuals who are not experiencing symptoms should self monitor for 14 days. It is important to note that individuals may develop symptoms from two to 14 days following exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. 鈥�
The Mercury will have more details as they become available.听
听
