The bulk of Humboldt’s maintenance department were sent home Tuesday morning when it was discovered a coworker had tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.
Seven of the department’s eight-person crew will be quarantined effective until Dec. 3, according to Cole Herder, city administrator.
“They were out repairing a water leak when we got the news,” from the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments, said Herder. “We told them to finish up and then go home.”
Still reporting for duty is Chaz Sanchez, who happened to be on vacation when his coworkers were exposed to the virus.
Public Works Director Jeremy Bulk will also be on hand in case of an emergency.
In reality, most people won’t know the difference, “unless they have a gas leak or a water line breaks,” Herder said. “With it being so dry and now with the sudden cold weather, that can wreak havoc on water lines.”
Crews were on track to clean ditches over the next couple of weeks.
The city’s trash pickup is contracted with a private service, and so will not be affected by the quarantine of city crews. Pickups scheduled for Thursday will occur on Friday.
“I’ve already called for mutual aid from other cities,” in case of an emergency, Herder said.
HERDER said the quarantine, the second affecting city employees, is a reminder of the need to follow protocols that “keep our employees and community safe, allowing us to continue essential services.”
Herder asked citizens to “slow the spread” of the virus by social distancing, limiting the size of gatherings and by wearing face masks.
