Amazon workers to self isolate after COVID19 outbreak in Brampton

Peel Region public health authorities have ordered all workers at an Amazon warehouse in Brampton, Ont., to self-isolate following an outbreak.

The health unit says all shifts will be suspended as the workers self-isolate for two weeks starting tomorrow as everyone at the site might have had high-risk exposure to COVID-19.

It says the infection rate at the facility has been increasing significantly over the last few weeks even as the rate of COVID-19 cases across Peel has been decreasing.

The move comes after 240 workers have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last several weeks.

Peel's top doctor says the facility employs thousands of people and they must be isolated to protect the community.  The facility will remain closed until March 27th. 

The health unit says the suspension of all shifts at the facility will allow Amazon time to consider operational changes that may prevent future outbreaks.

Photo courtesy of Istock.