Investigation launched into COVID-19 cases at health facility linen cleaning plant

A contact investigation has been launched by public health into the possible transmission of COVID-19 between a number of K-Bro Linen Systems employees in Regina.

In a release Friday, the provincial government said a number of employees from K-Bro Linens’ Regina location had tested positive for COVID-19.

K-Bro Linen Systems is a contracted company responsible for cleaning linens for health-care facilities in Regina and other parts of Canada.

“Due to the privacy reasons, I’m unable to speak specifically to the positive cases we have in the facility,” said Jackie Belanger, the general manager at the Regina facility.

“I am able to confirm that we are in close contact with the public health office for each of the cases and will continue to monitor the situation. We will continue to follow the direction of the public health office.”

A microbiologist assessed the processes for linen to ensure those cleaned at the facility remain safe for use in health-care facilities.

Belanger said the processed linens did not come in contact with any infected employees after being cleaned.

“When handling linen, we assume everything soiled is contaminated,” she explained.

In addition to wearing personal protective equipment while working, employees conduct frequent hand-washing and sanitizing and completely separate soiled and clean linens at the plant.

“The health and safety of our employees is our highest priority and prior to COVID, we operated all our facilities using health and safety protocols that exceed any recommendations offered by the (Centre for Disease Control) and the federal Public Health Agency of Canada,” Belanger said.

The review concludes the public is at no risk of contracting COVID-19 through the processed linen. It also notes there is no risk to public health.

Since COVID-19, Belanger said the facility has made some changes, including implementing new policies and safeguards.

One of those is the mandatory screening employees must complete before beginning work each day. They must answer SHA-approved questions and have their temperature taken.

If an employee becomes symptomatic, they are not permitted to work or enter the facility.

“We’re doing what we have been notified (to do) by the public health office and followed all their protocols,” Belanger said.

If a risk to public health is determined at the facility, the provincial government says a public safety announcement will be made.