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UPDATED: COVID-19 virus hits another Valard construction camp

Two workers have tested positive so far.
Valard east west tie construction winter
(File image/Valard Construction)

WHITE RIVER, Ont. — COVID-19 has turned up at another construction camp associated with the high-voltage east-west power line project along the north shore of Lake Superior.

Two employees at the Valard Construction work camp in White River have tested positive for the virus.

A third case was also initially reported on Monday, but Valard subsequently issued a correction, saying the third instance had not been confirmed by the Algoma Health Unit.

A joint statement by Valard and its client, NextBridge, said the infected individuals, along with their close contacts would be moved into quarantine outside of White River as soon as Valard receives approval from Algoma Public Health.

It said anyone else who may have been in contact with these people has already been instructed to self-isolate and has been tested.

Valard said it is working closely with public health officials to conduct testing and close-contact tracing.

As part of its regular protocols, the company said it conducts in-house testing, and this is what led to the discovery of two cases on the weekend.

Pic Mobert First Nation disclosed them publicly in a notice to its community members on Sunday.

White River Mayor Angelo Bazzoni learned about the situation Monday morning, and was displeased for not hearing directly from the company.

"I'm quite disappointed. This is a serious matter. Nobody official from Valard has contacted myself or our CAO," Bazzoni said.

He added "We have to know the situation. We want to know how they're controlling the situation."

Bazzoni said Valard is a reputable firm but reiterated that he's disappointed with how the announcement was handled.

The Valard/NextBridge statement, however, said that – as directed by the Ontario government – the companies defer to health authorities as the local experts on keeping the public informed.

Algoma Public Health  said Monday it is following up with the employer to ensure strong infection prevention control measures are in place.

Last month, a COVID-19 outbreak was declared at a Valard construction camp in Marathon.

It ultimately affected more than 20 workers.

Those who tested positive were relocated to a secure location in Thunder Bay to self-isolate.

The outbreak, which did not halt work on the 450-kilometre power line, was declared over last week.

Note:  A previous version of this story, based on information supplied by Valard, said there are three cases involving workers.  Late Monday, Valard issued a correction stating that the third case has not been confirmed by Algoma Public Health.



Gary Rinne

About the Author: Gary Rinne

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Gary started part-time at Tbnewswatch in 2016 after retiring from the CBC
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