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UPDATE: Coquitlam credit union shut down over potential COVID-19 exposure

Coquitlam and Surrey branches of Westminster Savings Credit Union were shut down after an employee is thought to have been exposed to COVID-19
Westminster Savings and Credit Union branch in Coquitlam was shut down to a potential COVID-19 expos
Westminster Savings and Credit Union branch in Coquitlam was shut down to a potential COVID-19 exposure.

A popular credit union in the heart of Coquitlam was shut down yesterday after receiving news an employee was under examination for potential exposure to COVID-19.

The Sunwood Square branch of Westminster Savings Credit Union off Lougheed Highway was closed yesterday alongside another branch at 16090 24 Avenue in Surrey's Grandview Central neighbourhood. 

“The employee has not experienced any COVID-19 symptoms and is currently self-isolating at home and monitoring their symptoms,” wrote spokesperson Jessica Thiessen in an email to the Tri-City News.

The employee in question worked at both branches and is said to have had "limited contact" with a small number of employees and customers. When the company was informed of the potential off-site exposure on Sept. 14, both shut down over the next two days while they consulted with WorkSafe BC and public health.

Thiessen, who also represents Prospera Credit Union after a recent merger, said the closures were “not required” by Fraser Health but that “the choice to close was made to ensure protection of employee and member safety.”

Following a “deep clean and full review,” the credit union reopened the two branches today Sept. 17 under the same enhanced safety protocols Thiessen said are in place at all the company’s locations.

Last year, Westminster Savings Credit Union shut its only unionized branch located in Port Coquitlam. That prompted months of strikes but the company maintains it the move was necessary due to the existence of the nearby Sunwood branch and more people moving to online banking services.