Business closes temporarily after staff member tests positive for COVID-19

MOUNT FOREST – A local business has closed down temporarily after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

Joe Lido, owner of Elite Water and Air and Wines Made Easy, said he was tested for the virus on May 11.

“It’s a bit weird because no one’s actually called me yet," he told the Advertiser in a telephone interview.

"I went for the test on Monday and they said they would get back to me in a couple of days, but no one called. But I checked online and it says I’m positive."

Danielle Lido advised customers of the situation in a social media post on May 14.

“Unfortunately one of our employees has tested positive for COVID-19," she stated.

"We will be closed until we know we are completely clear of it. Thank you for bearing with us during this difficult time."

“Right now I’m at home,” Joe said.

“I’m not going out so we’re not doing anything … we decided to shut down.

"I mean we’re only open one day a week (in order) not to have too much contact (with the public) anyway,” added Lido, noting he had not been at the business since Saturday (May 9).

Lido said the business will remain closed “until we get the all clear.”

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health communications manager Chuck Ferguson advised the Advertiser in an email that Joe Lido was contacted within 24 hours of his positive results being reported to WDG Public Health.

“All his contacts were followed up with regarding instructions on self isolating if necessary,” Ferguson explained.

"Our policy is to reach out to positive test result cases within 24 hours and then begin contact tracing with any individuals they may have been in close contact with."

He added that all positive cases speak with a public health nurse to ensure they understand how to self isolate in their homes (particularly if they live with other people).

“We ensure they have the means to protect others. Some should wear masks in the home if they can’t appropriately distance themselves from other family members,” Ferguson stated.

“Case management and contact tracing area critical public health functions in decreasing the spread of COVID-19. Anyone with any symptoms should go get tested and ensure they are protecting those around them or those in the community from the virus,” he added.