GRAVENHURST BUCKLEY ‘TEAM MEMBER’ TESTS COVID POSITIVE

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — A new business in the downtown is closing its doors — after recently being allowed to open — after it says in a release Friday that “one of our team has notified us of a positive COVID-19 test.”

Christine Buckley owner and president of the Kilworthy-based accounting company Buckley & Associates — with an office on the main street at Muskoka Road and Main Street — could not be reached for comment by MuskokaTODAY.com Friday night through social media and or phone.

Her company has been in business since January 2014, according to her LinkedIn account. It says it serves the Muskoka and Simcoe County with payroll, bookkeeping and tax services.

In open letter to the public, posted on its Facebook account at 5 p.m. today, it says:

“We want to share some knowledge with our community regarding the fact that one of our team has notified us of a positive COVID-19 test.
”This employee has not been to work since March, is very reclusive and has not been many places since the onset of awareness of COVID-19.

“Our risk of exposure if very low. Despite this fact, we have decided to lock our doors and get extensive testing for ourselves, our family members and anyone we have been in contact with for the past eight weeks.

“We realize that this is far more than the recommended action, but we feel it is the right decision for us.

“We will have our results on Sunday or Monday and will take next steps per the recommendation of experts at that time. We follow all protocols and guidelines with pleasure.
”We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your cooperation and patience at this time.

“We have been assured by medical professionals that the exposure risk from contact with this individual is very low, and not likely to be a concern.

“Despite that fact, we want to be transparent and let everyone know that this has happened. It can happen to anyone.
”This person has ONLY been out in Gravenhurst to perform errands (groceries, gas, pet food), is quite conscientious (wears masks, gloves, washes hands and surfaces frequently and avoids contact with other people on a normal basis, never mind the heightened measures of late due to the concern over spreading this virus).

“This person has only been out a few times in the past several months.

“We feel it necessary to care for and protect our community.

“This communication is not intended to induce panic, but IS INTENDED TO RAISE AWARENESS and to remind us ALL TO WEAR PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.

“This is not over yet. Let’s look after one another, share any and all information and stay safe. We invite any and all feedback and are happy to share information with anyone that wishes to reach out.

“We appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you.”

Christine Buckley, owner of Buckley & Associates issued a statement late Friday afternoon about a “team member” testing positive for COVID-19.

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