Amazon has confirmed that an employee from its fulfillment centre in Balzac is recovering from COVID-19.

An emailed statement from Amazon spokesperson Timothy Carter reads that the company is supporting the individual who is recovering. The statement says Amazon is following guidelines from health officials and medical experts, and that extreme measures are being taken to ensure the safety of employees at the site.

As per the statement, Amazon has made all employees at the Balzac site aware of the confirmed case. The company's protocol ensures the news is communicated to everyone who works at the site, not just those who may have had close contact with the individual who has been diagnosed. The 600,000 square foot facility employs hundreds of workers.

Preventative health measures have been put in place for Amazon employess, as well as delivery and transportation partners, including the increased frequency and intensity of cleaning measures. The company says it also strictly enforces social distancing throughout its facilities.

Amazon says employees are required to sanitize and clean their work stations and vehicles with disinfectant wipes at the start and end of every shift.

The Government of Canada website states that while it's possible products that are shipped can be contaminated, the risk of the coronavirus spreading via a package delivery is low. It's not known exactly how long COVID-19 remains on surfaces, though preliminary information suggests it can linger for hours or even days depending on things like temperature, humidity, and material of the surface.

The World Health Organization states it is safe to receive a package from an area where COVID-19 has been reported, also classifying the risk of catching the coronavirus from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature as low.

It's not known what capacity the Balzac fulfillment centre employee worked or when exactly they tested positive for COVID-19. Amazon says any employee who is diagnosed with COVID-19 as well as those who are required to quarantine will receive up to two weeks of pay.