Dofasco employee, contractor test positive for COVID-19

An ArcelorMittal Dofasco employee and a third-party contractor who was working at the Hamilton steelmaker have both tested positive for COVID-19.

A finishing employee who works in pickling and cold roll tested positive for the new coronavirus after being in contact with someone outside of work who had it, said the company in a statement.

Dofasco has also learned that a contractor working in the materials handling and logistics business unit has COVID-19, according to a separate update shared Tuesday.

"COVID-19 cases among Dofasco employees are inevitable during a pandemic," said company physician, Dr. Mike Pysklywec, in a media release. "I know this is anxiety-provoking and it should highlight the need for infectious precautions."

Hamilton had 91 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of noon Monday, as well as one death and another 27 presumed cases at the Heritage Green Nursing home.

In its statement, the company goes on to say its response to the virus is based on guidance from the government and public health officials.

"All response actions were taken swiftly and appropriately," it adds.

"In addition, our Support Services team oversees an immediate thorough protocol for enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the area."

Dofasco says any employee who has symptoms of COVID-19 or has come into contact with someone who has tested positive is directed to self-isolate at home for 14 days.

If that employee ends up testing positive, colleagues who have worked with that person or been in close contact will also have to self-isolate and monitor themselves for symptoms.

Employees can only return to work after being cleared by Dofasco's medical services team, along with a family doctor or public health.

"We wish our colleague a speedy recovery from the virus and will continue to monitor his colleagues who are now in self-isolation," read the company's statement.

Not clear how many employees are in isolation

The statement did not say how many other employees have gone into self-isolation. It's also not clear if the employee was at work while displaying symptoms.

A spokesperson did not answer those questions when asked, citing privacy concerns and saying Dofasco would continue to share what information it can.

"Response actions have and continue to be taken in both cases," said the statement, adding team members are immediately informed and the area where the employee worked is disinfected.

Dofaco's response to COVID-19 involves the following:

• Any suspected or confirmed cases are immediately quarantined from work.
• The company contacts the patient to assess their condition, where they could have contracted the virus and who they have been in contact with.
• Then any "significant contacts" are sent home and directed to isolate for at least 14 days.
• Finally, cases are shared publicly to keep people informed.

The steelmaker says it will not be releasing patient names, saying doing so would be an "unnecessary and serious" breach of privacy."

The company is "erring on the side of caution and being aggressive about identifying potential contacts" while public health officials also work to contact people the patient may have encountered.