COVID-19 outbreak temporarily closes Vancouver call center
May 15—Public Health authorities said the Spectrum Communications call center in Vancouver has been temporarily closed due to a COVID-19 outbreak that has resulted in 29 confirmed and two possible cases at the business.
Public Health spokeswoman Marissa Armstrong said in an email late Friday that the first case was reported in mid-April, with the most recent case reported Friday.
The business was closed effective Wednesday and will undergo a deep cleaning, according to Armstrong. She said the business will also consult with Labor & Industries prior to reopening.
"The facility will reopen once these steps are completed and employees have been cleared to return to work," Armstrong said.
All employees identified as close contacts must quarantine for a minimum of 10 days before they can return to work, according to Armstrong. She said those who tested positive cannot return to work until they've completed their isolation period and are no longer considered infectious.
The two possible cases reported are awaiting test results, Armstrong said.
Public Health is recommending COVID-19 testing for all employees who have not already been tested.
Late Friday, Charter Communications, which offers internet TV and phone products under the Spectrum Communications brand, released the following statement:
"We are working closely with the CCPHD and continue to carefully follow approved CDC and State safety guidelines, as we have done since the beginning of the pandemic. The health and safety of our employees is our highest priority. Once we have confirmed with the CCPHD that all the safety precautions have been met, we will reopen our Vancouver facility."
