Out of the four employees who tested posted for the novel coronavirus at Goldstar Sugars Harare (widely known as Sugar Refineries), one staffer died of Covid19, the company’s management announced in a statement Sunday morning.
“On 15 July 2020, four of a group of thirty eight employees, which had been sent for routine tests, tested positive for Covid 19. Sadly one of the four employees that tested positive subsequently passed away and the company expresses our deepest condolences and sympathy to his family, relatives and friends,” said Star Africa Corporation chief executive officer an R Mutyiri in the statement.
Following the incident, Mutyiri said, the clinic and all work stations at Goldstar Sugars and Country Choice Foods, including offices, are disinfected twice a day with employees being checked for temperature at entry points every day when they report for work.
Read the full press statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT
COVID-19 INCIDENT
Following reports that have appeared on social media platforms concerning a COVID-19 incident that occurred at Goldstar Sugars Harare on 15 July 2020, Starafricacorporation Limited wishes to provide clarification on the incident in this press statement.
On 15 July 2020 four of a group of thirty eight employees, which had been sent for routine tests, tested positive for Covid 19.
Sadly one of the four employees that tested positive subsequently passed away and the company expresses our deepest condolences and sympathy to his family, relatives and friends.
As there was a chance that these employees who tested positive could have interacted with other employees at the work place a decision was taken to temporarily close the operations at Goldstar Sugars and Country Choice Foods in strict adherence to the requirements of the public health authorities and WHO Guidelines.
Arrangements were immediately made to deep clean and thoroughly disinfect the premises whilst all employees and service providers on site were sent for testing for Covid-19.
The programme for PCR tests is expected to be completed by 21 July 2020 and the outcome of the tests will allow a controlled resumption of operations thereafter.
This action was taken as the health and safety of our employees, service providers, customers and visitors is our highest priority.
We take this opportunity to assure the nation and our stakeholders that we have the situation under control. There is a COVID-19 Committee in place, chaired by the Chief Executive.
The clinic and all work stations at Goldstar Sugars and Country Choice Foods, including offices, are disinfected twice a day and employees are checked for temperature at entry points every day when they report for work.
Their hands are also sanitised and they wear face masks all the time. Social distancing is practiced at the workstations.
The company will provide updates to all stakeholders as more information is available on the outcome of the tests and subsequent plans to reopen the operations.
Covid-19 is real and our focus remains the safety of our staff and all those that interact with the company in various ways.
R MUTYIRI
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
19 July 2020
Zwnews
