A TTC subway operator has tested positive COVID-19, according to the transit workers union.

In a message sent to members Tuesday afternoon, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 said that a subway driver operating out of Wilson division had received the diagnosis that afternoon.

The employee had not been at work since the morning of March 16, when he went home after feeling unwell shortly after the start of his 5:30 a.m. shift, according to the union.

ATU Local 113, which represents more than 11,500 TTC workers, said the employee has been at home since that time.

“ATU Local 113 is working with the TTC and Toronto Public Health to determine next steps/actions to further protect the health of workers and riders,” the union said.

TTC spokesperson Stuart Green confirmed the positive test Tuesday evening. He said in a statement that as soon as the transit agency was notified, it “immediately engaged Toronto Public Health to determine next steps.”

The case marks the first confirmed instance of a front-line TTC worker testing positive for the virus that has ground much of the city and the country to a halt.

Last Wednesday a TTC bus mechanic tested positive for the virus. In that instance, the transit agency responded by temporarily closing the garage the employee worked in, and sending workers at the facility home en masse. Between 130 and 170 employees were directed to self-isolate.

By contrast, the TTC isn’t ordering workers to stay home in response to the subway operator’s positive test.

“At this time, Toronto Public Health has advised that there is no increased risk to other employees or customers,” Green said.

“We are, however, identifying a small number of employees with whom the operator had casual contact on March 16. They will be advised only to self-monitor for symptoms.”

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In an interview, Local 113 president Carlos Santos said the worker hadn’t travelled recently and it wasn’t immediately clear how he contracted the virus. Santos said the employee was likely in contact with between 15 and 20 colleagues before he went home sick.

The union and transit agency have been taking steps in recent weeks intended to prevent TTC bus, streetcar, and subway drivers, who normally interact with hundreds of riders every day, from contracting the disease.

The measures include increased cleaning of vehicles, the elimination of paper transfers, implementation of rear-door boarding on buses, and allowing workers to wear masks on the job.