Swift measures were taken by authorities yesterday to assure the safety of hundreds of labourers, after they reportedly came in contact with a confirmed Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) case.
The cleaning company staff are employed by a leading contracting group, who stayed at their accommodation in Salmabad.
The building also houses other businesses including a restaurant, a supermarket and a money exchange firm that has been quarantined.
Health officials yesterday said tests were conducted at the labour camp.
“The ministry confirmed one positive case through laboratory tests at a labour accommodation of a company,” said the ministry.
“Immediate precautionary measures were taken and in co- ordination with the owner of the company, laboratory tests were carried out for all those who were involved..”
The Ministry confirmed that all workers in contact with the Covid-19 patient tested negative.
“It was decided to put them in quarantine for two weeks, according to the preventive measures followed.”
The Ministry added that the owner of the company ensured the workers’ housing facility to be quarantined under the supervision of medical staff.
“He (owner) asserted that the salaries of workers placed un
der preventive quarantine will not be affected.”
It is understood that around 400 workers will be quarantined for a 14-day period, as videos circulated online showed police patrols at the cordoned off site.
Building owner Ebrahim Al Daaysi lauded the authorities’
prompt action and told the GDN that the situation was under control.
“I understand that he (company owner) has agreed to keep the workers in quarantine for 14 days and their salaries will not be affected,” said Mr Al Daaysi.
“Food and water for almost 400 employees were brought into the camp, all of which shows the co-operation that is being extended to the national efforts in limiting the spread of the virus.”
Mr Al Daaysi said he was thankful to the authorities for acting promptly and controlling
the situation.
“Health authorities with the help of police cordoned off the building in the morning, so that nobody could leave or enter the building, which was in their best interest.
“Only two shops were open – the restaurant and the supermarket, because its Friday.
“Employees of those shops as well as those from the money exchange, were also tested.”
Visited
Furthermore, a three-storied building near the labour camp, was also quarantined as some of the cleaning staff visited that building.
Meanwhile, sources confirmed to the GDN that at least six workers tested positive since a Bahraini employee in one of the showrooms of the company in Sehla was confirmed with infection two days ago.
“It’s not clear if the woman came back from Iran, was in quarantine or was in contact with anyone affected,” said the source.
“She tested positive two day ago and these workers were cleaning staff who contracted it from there.
“There are at least six expatriates who are taken to isolation and treatment facility.”
raji@gdn.com.bh
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