Second BPUB Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

BROWNSVILLE, TX – The Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) confirms that an employee working at the BPUB Administration Building tested positive for COVID-19. The employee was last in the workplace Thursday, June 11, and the positive result was confirmed Tuesday, June 16. This is the second BPUB employee to test positive for COVID-19. Because of privacy laws, BPUB will not release specific details about the employee.

BPUB’s top commitment is to the safety of its customers and employees. As a result, BPUB wants to reassure the community that the employee is currently under quarantine and being monitored by health professionals. A detailed contact tracing will be performed by health officials to identify others who may have come in contact with the affected employee.

Several actions have already been taken as a precautionary measure:

• A deep cleaning of the employee’s work area
• A deep cleaning of common areas
• The Administration Building, including the drive-thru lanes, will be closed to the public until further notice

BPUB will continue to follow CDC guidelines for workplace safety, require its employees to wear facial coverings, promote good hygiene practices and share health, safety and travel guidelines with all employees.

BPUB wants to reassure customers that there is still staff on hand for ongoing electric, water and wastewater operations and customer service inquiries. Many departments are also working from remote locations until the pandemic eases. BPUB offices will remain closed to visitors and customers.

BPUB is encouraging the community to practice social distancing by making account inquiries or paying bills online or by phone to help flatten the curve of COVID-19. For questions about BPUB’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the BPUB website at www.brownsville-pub.com or call (956) 983-6121.