A Canada Post worker at a Toronto mail processing plant has died as a result of COVID-19, the organization and the union representing its employees say.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said it received the news on Saturday, roughly a week after an outbreak was declared at the facility.
No details about the worker have been released at this time.
Both the union and Canada Post offered their condolences to the worker's grieving relatives, friends and colleagues.
"We offer our deepest sympathies to the family as they mourn the loss and respect their privacy during this difficult time. We are focused on supporting our employees who have lost a colleague," Canada Post spokesman Phil Legault said in a statement.
Legault said 18 employees at the same plant have reported testing positive for the virus since March 20, and that information was shared with public health authorities.
He said the agency is providing voluntary rapid testing to employees and contractors at the facility, and has paid leave in place for those who need to self-isolate.
"Since the start of the pandemic, Canada Post has implemented rigorous safety measures to keep our employees safe. If we are informed that an employee has tested positive, we have a process to follow, which includes informing employees, supporting public health and sanitization measures," he said.
Meanwhile, CUPW said it will "continue to gather information and take all necessary actions to make sure Canada Post is prioritizing the health and safety of members."
In January, a Canada Post worker at a Mississauga, Ont., facility died after contracting the virus during a major outbreak.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 12, 2021.
The Canadian Press
