Employee is 1st positive coronavirus case at Grand Canyon; lodge and dorm to be cleaned

A Delaware North employee at Grand Canyon National Park is the first case of coronavirus in the Grand Canyon Village, Glen White. a spokesperson for Delaware North, confirmed.

The Tusayan Fire Department shared a message on Monday from Grand Canyon Acting Superintendent Mary Risser confirming the first case of coronavirus in the Grand Canyon.

White said the employee was a resident of the Brandt Dorm, but has been isolated in another location since his diagnosis.

The man worked at Yavapai Lodge. White said he had only worked one day, March 18, during the past 3 weeks.

Guest services were suspended March 22 at Yavapai Lodge.

Brandt Dorm and Yavapai Lodge will be cleaned by a third-party service on Tuesday, White said.

"We have been in contact with the employee and local health officials and have contacted Brandt Dorm residents and other Yavapai employees who worked with this employee," White said.

Many employees are not residing at the Grand Canyon because they are on leave, White said. Those who are still living there were offered temporary relocation to an isolated housing accommodation for self-quarantining.

Employees with symptoms were advised to contact a physician and the Human Resources director.

"Over the past several weeks Delaware North increased its cleaning procedures in communal areas and continues to advocate proper hygiene and social distancing among its employees," White said.

Delaware North provides food, beverage, retail and lodging at Yavapai Lodge. The company provides housing for their employees at Brandt Hall, dorm-style living with shared rooms, kitchen and laundry room.

Reach breaking news reporter Alyssa Stoney at alyssa.stoney@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter @stoney_alyssa