More COVID-19 cases at McMaster, local schools, Tim Hortons and Canada Post

A worker at a Tim Hortons in Stoney Creek and someone at a Canada Post depot in Ancaster have tested positive for COVID-19. 

The employee tested positive for the virus on Nov. 16, according to a Tim Hortons spokesperson. The person last worked on Nov. 12. 

The Tim Hortons, located at 315 Centennial Parkway N., temporarily closed on Nov. 17 for cleaning and sanitization. It has since re-opened, but is only operating its drive-thru. 

The restaurant expects to re-open on Nov. 22. 

The employee and others who worked with the person are self-isolating for 14 days, says the spokesperson. 

The spokesperson added that the workers will be "supported through Tim Hortons corporate and restaurant owner COVID-19 compensation fund to provide for any lost wages."

Canada Post

A spokesperson from Canada Post says they were informed on Nov. 17 that an employee at their Hamilton West Delivery Depot, located at 590 Tradewind Drive in Ancaster, tested positive for COVID-19.

The worker was tested on Nov. 14. 

They were asymptomatic at work, said the spokesperson, and followed physical distancing measures and wore a face covering.

Canada Post says it's followed public health guidance and has informed employees, supported contact tracing and conducted a deep cleaning and sanitization within the facility.

The crown corporation says it regularly talks with employees and requires them to do a self-assessment before arriving for work.

They have implemented physical distancing in all facilities, use visible markings, and have staggered start times where necessary. They've also increased cleaning and availability of safety equipment, sanitizers, and face coverings. 

Local School Boards

Two more students tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday at Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School. 

An outbreak won't be declared because Hamilton Public Health Services determined there wasn't an epidemiological link between these cases and the previous ones at the school, says a letter to the community. 

School administrators have notified all impacted families and staff identified as a close contact. They will self-isolate for 14 days.

A student at Waterdown District High School also tested positive on Thursday. 

Public health says there are no student or staff close contacts related to this case, according to a letter to the school community. 

The student was not in the building when there would be a risk of exposure, so public health considers the risk to other students and staff low.

McMaster University

Another worker at McMaster University and a student have both been diagnosed with COVID-19. 

The employee, who is with an external company, tested positive on Thursday. They were last on campus on Nov. 16 in several areas of the Nuclear Research Building, says a release. 

The student spent time at a warehouse building at the McMaster Innovation Park on Nov. 17 and 18. 

All areas of both buildings have been cleaned, the university said, and any contact tracing is being managed by public health.