Two COVID-19 cases confirmed at Shell refinery, some workers sent home

Troy Shantz Shell Canada has sent an unknown number of workers home after two people at the Corunna refinery tested positive for COVID-19 this week, the Journal has learned.

Troy Shantz

Shell Canada has sent an unknown number of workers home after two people at the Corunna refinery tested positive for COVID-19 this week, the Journal has learned.

The first case was discovered Monday and the second on Thursday, Shell spokesperson Tara Lemay confirmed.

“We are working with public health to conduct rigorous contact tracing and to notify close contacts, asking that they self-quarantine in line with public health guidance,” she said via email.

“Contact tracing is being managed through Lambton Public Health.”

Lemay would not say which departments are involved or how many workers were sent home, citing privacy concerns.

According to an internal memo, additional control measures have been put in place at the plant on St. Clair Parkway, including mandatory face masks in control rooms. The memo also urges staff to stay home if they  feel unwell.

Anyone visiting the Corunna facility must go through health screening, and work schedules have been adjusts to minimize the number of staff on-site, Lemay added.

“We will continue to monitor this situation closely and follow advice from public health to ensure everyone’s well-being,” she said.

Lambton Public Health listed one new outbreak in its daily pandemic update today. But spokesperson Darren Rogers would not confirm the Shell plant is the location.

“As health custodians, specific details about a case will not be provided in order to protect the privacy of individuals involved,” he stated in an email.

According to the health unit website: “Workplace outbreaks are declared when two or more employees test positive for COVID-19 within a reasonable timeline to suspect transmission in the workplace.”

Sarnia-Lambton had three more confirmed cases Friday. That brings the total number to 420, with 18 active cases. None are in hospital.