INNISFAIL – A staff member at the Innisfail Aquatic Centre has received a positive test for COVID-19, forcing the town to employ emergency measures to clean and sanitize the facility.
The Town of Innisfail posted a public notice earlier today on its Facebook page that on April 15 a member of staff at the local recreational facility was confirmed as having a positive test for COVID-19.
Todd Becker, the town’s chief administrative officer, said the individual has since entered isolation and last worked at the facility on Monday, April 12.
Becker also told The Albertan that a second employee has been identified as being a close contact with the positive COVID-tested staff member.
“He is now isolated accordingly to the requirements of the chief medical officer,” said Becker.
He said contact tracing is underway to identify anyone who may have been in close contact with the individual who tested positive.
“Due to precautionary measures previously implemented at the facility, however, close contact with any member of the public is thought unlikely,” said Becker. “We want to make sure we maintain that transparency.
“We do of course take names and phone numbers as they come into the facility, and anybody associated has been notified,” he added.
As a result of the confirmed case, added Becker, the town immediately enhanced its cleaning and sanitization efforts at the facility and will continue to do so for as long as is needed in order to adequately ensure the safety of patrons and facility staff.
Due to provincial COVID-19 restrictions, the Innisfail Aquatic Centre has been operating at a limited capacity. The facility now only offers one-on-one lessons and private household bookings. Becker said the facility is still open for both services.
“The pool remains open. The cleaning component is complete,” said Becker.
The current positive staff COVID case is not the first time it has happened with the Town of Innisfail. Becker said there has been the “odd case” since the pandemic began 13 months ago. Last November, the town closed its administration building following the confirmation of an outside staff member testing positive for COVID-19.
