City Of Benicia Employee Tests Positive For Coronavirus

BENICIA, CA — A city of Benicia employee who works at the Benicia Community Center tested positive for the coronavirus, city officials said Monday night.

The employee notified the city of the positive test result Monday, and the city says it has been in contact with the Solano County Public Health Office since learning of the case.

In an abundance of caution, the city said, it decided to close the Benicia Community Center effective Tuesday in order to do a deep cleaning of the entire facility located at 370 E. L Street.

The Community Center will remain closed until it is deemed safe to open.

Staff will be tested, and credits will be issued for all Parks & Community Services program registrations affected by the closure, according to the city.

“We make it a policy not to disclose detailed information to protect employee privacy,” said City Manager Lorie Tinfow. “We will facilitate testing for all employees who may have been exposed and notify program participants as appropriate. The City of Benicia is committed to maintain the safety of our staff, our visitors and our program participants to the best of our ability.”

"Increased instances of positive test results have been seen in Solano County, in the State of California and in our country," the city said. "Employees of the City of Benicia, including those who work at the Benicia Community Center, follow recommended protocols such as wearing face coverings, washing hands, and maintaining social distance. A significant number of positive cases stem from social and family gatherings. The City of Benicia reminds all residents to follow recommended protocols and avoid gatherings."

On July 2, the city announced a Benicia firefighter tested positive for the virus.

As of Tuesday morning, the Solano County has had 2,759 confirmed cases of coronavirus since the outbreak began in March, 57 of those cases being in Benicia.

Tuesday morning, there 247 active cases across Solano County.

The City of Benicia has a community services phone line for COVID-19 questions and concerns. Residents and community members can call 707-746-4285 or send an email to pcs@ci.benicia.ca.us.