COVID-19 cases detected in MAS facility in Mahiyanganaya

The COVID-19 testing and tracing procedures that are in place at MAS’ manufacturing facilities have recently detected a significant number of COVID-19 positive employees at Shadeline in Mahiyanganaya. Due to the relatively high number of asymptomatic employees testing positive, whilst their close contacts are identified within the plant it was temporarily closed by MAS as precautionary measures, after consultation with the local PHI and MOH. 

Employees and their immediate families who tested positive have been placed in the MAS COVID-19 Care Centre in Giriulla, or as directed by the local PHI. 

The facility will undergo extensive decontamination procedures during the closure period and will only re-commence based on the test results of the selected sample of employees, as directed by the authorities.  With all MAS plants in Sri Lanka, 5% of employees are randomly tested for COVID-19 weekly as a preventative measure, as directed by the Ministry of Health and BOI. This is in addition to the stringent social distancing, screening for symptoms and disinfection protocols that are in place. When positive cases are detected their close contacts are traced and tested. In each instance, decisions of which areas needs to be isolated or whether the plant needs to be closed are taken based on the recommendations of the PHI and MOH. MAS states that at all times and at all its facilities, the health of its associates is its primary concern and MAS actively cooperates with the local health authorities, conforms to their recommendations and assists in providing any required information in a transparent manner.