An employee at the Visalia Child Welfare Services office has tested positive for the coronavirus, causing the location to close for third time, according to the Tulare County health department.

The office previously closed August 19 and October 2 after employees tested positive for COVID-19.

On both previous occasions, the office was cleaned and disinfected before the office was permitted to reopen, the health department said in a news release.

Tulare TulareWORKs Employee Tests Positive

Additionally, the Human Services Branch of the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) confirms that one public employee at the Tulare TulareWORKs District Office, located at 458 East O’Neal Ave. in Tulare, has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee began to show symptoms and notified a supervisor.

The office previously closed on June 30, 2020 and September 9, 2020 due to an employee testing positive. On both occasions, the office was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, allowing employees to return to work following proper protocols. The County has instructed all employees during this time that they should not come to work if they show any symptoms of illness.

Child Welfare Services: Employee Notified Supervisor

The Child Welfare Services employee in the office began to show symptoms and notified a supervisor.

“It is not unexpected that employees may become ill as COVID-19 continues spreading throughout the community,” the county’s news release said. Tulare County is currently in the ‘purple’ tier on the state’s dashboard for reopening, which signifies widespread COVID-19 transmission.

The county said employees have been instructed not come to work if they show any symptoms of illness.

Services During Closure

While the Child Welfare Services office is closed, members of the public needing services should call (559) 623-0500. To report suspected child abuse, the number is 1-800-331-1585.

Those needing services through TulareWORKs can contact the call center at 1-800-540-6880.