Brampton transit driver dies after contracting COVID-19

Flags have been lowered in Brampton in memory of a transit driver who died after they contracted COVID-19.

The City hasn’t released the person’s name but describes them as a dedicated transit operator of more than 18 years who served the community with care.

“The City is mourning the loss of a dedicated Brampton Transit Operator who succumbed to COVID-19 on March 26, 2021,” said a City of Brampton spokesperson.

“We extend our deepest condolences to our colleague’s family and friends as we collectively mourn this loss. We ask that the privacy of the family is respected at this difficult time.”

Brampton Transit also confirmed the driver’s passing on Twitter.

Please read the statement below on the passing of one of our Brampton Transit team members. pic.twitter.com/7eWM5kyFUr

— Brampton Transit (@BramptonTransit) March 26, 2021

A co-worker tells 680 NEWS the man died last night and estimates his age to be early 50’s.

The co-worker also says the driver’s route included the Amazon Warehouse that was hit hard by a COVID-19 outbreak.

That has not been confirmed by Peel Public Health, Brampton Transit, or the City.

Service was brought to a halt on March 9 after multiple employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Amazon Canada was then ordered to shut down its Heritage Road plant in Brampton because of the outbreak – something the retail giant plans to appeal.

The order from Peel Public Health forces the closure of all shifts as of midnight Friday requiring all workers to self-isolate for 14 days until March 27.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Lawrence Loh says the Amazon facility has seen 617 cases since October.