Colombo Dockyard issues statement on several employees testing positive for COVID

Colombo Dockyard Plc has issued a statement following several of its staff testing positive for COVID-19 recently:

Colombo Dockyard PLC had enforced strict health guidelines and maintained high level of compliance since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to protect staff, clients and other stakeholders. With the triggering of a second wave on 4 October, the management further strengthened the preventive measure and enhanced the screening process with additional random PCR tests among our employees.

With these random tests, two COVID Positive employees were detected on 15 and 16 October respectively, having direct links to the ill-fated Matugama AC Bus. By Tuesday afternoon, altogether 23 employees have been tested positive for COVID-19 from 600 plus PCR Tests done and results of further 900 plus tests done on 19th and 20th are awaited. All infected employees are under medical care and 1st contacts are under quarantine as per health guidelines. Arrangements have been made for the wellbeing of the affected families. The entire yard has been disinfected and the operations have been limited only for essential service from 17 October onwards to facilitate further health screening and sanitisation of premises. Detailed contact tracing, screening, isolation of immediate contacts are continuing under direct guidance of health authorities. All required steps have been taken to contain any further community transmission within the yard and among other stakeholders. Limited operations are to be resumed from 22 October onwards, with necessary clearance from health and other authorities. Dedicated hotel accommodation and transportation arrangements would be provided for employees to avoid any threat of transmission to the local community. We are firmly committed to the good health and wellbeing of our employees and their families, our clients, other stakeholders and our country. At this difficult juncture, we hereby solicit the kind understanding and support of all our associates in the business.