Statement on subway operator testing positive for COVID-19

We were notified this afternoon (March 24) that a TTC subway operator out of our Wilson Division has tested positive for COVID-19.

The operator is currently resting at home and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.

Although this is an evolving situation, we do know that he worked part of a shift on Line 1 on March 16 before reporting feeling unwell and booking off sick. He has not been at work since.

Once advised of this diagnosis, we immediately engaged Toronto Public Health to determine next steps. We also consulted with employee representatives on the Joint Health and Safety Committee and with ATU Local 113.

The TTC considers the health and well-being of its employees our top priority and we are working with Toronto Public Health, our own occupational health unit and ATU Local 113 on next steps to ensure employees are given information and the support they need moving forward.

At this time, Toronto Public Health has advised that there is no increased risk to other employees or customers. We are, however, identifying a small number of employees with whom the operator had casual contact on March 16. They will be advised only to self-monitor for symptoms.

Subway operators work in cabs separated from the public that are cleaned and disinfected daily. Operators are provided with disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer.

Since late January, the TTC has undertaken numerous steps to keep our employees and customers safe, including multiple cleanings of vehicles and stations each day, eliminating paper transfers, allowing operators to wear masks if they choose and implementing rear-door boarding on buses to reduce potential exposure for operators.