The Western North Region of Ghana has recorded its first case of COVID-19 involving an employee at the Chirano Gold Mines Limited.
According to the a release by Terence Watungwa, Vice President and General Manager, Chirano Gold Mines Limited, the test was conducted and confirmed by the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research.
The said employee was transported offsite on April 18th and is currently stable and receiving treatment.
Some 63 individual have been placed on mandatory self-isolation and monitoring .
Read more on the statement
A Message from VP & GM, Terence Watungwa: Chirano COVID-19 Update
This morning we learned that a presumptive case for COVID-19 involving one of our employees was confirmed as positive after a PCR test was conducted at Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research. The employee was transported offsite on April 18th and is currently clinically stable.
Our doctors are closely collaborating with district health directorate on case management, contact tracing and other related issues to effectively keep the situation under control. Chirano is taking strict measures in accordance to our Threshold and Action Response Plan and cooperating with government health authorities to prioritize and protect the health and safety of our employees, contractors and community.
Consistent with the latest update on COVID-19 restrictions issued on April 20th , the lock down status of Chirano mine premises and all other measures communicated therein remain in effect. It is important to note that to date we have not had any other complaints that fit into the case definition for COVID-19 from our latest site clinic visits. Contact tracing was conducted on site this morning and identified a total of 63 employees.
All the 63 individuals have been placed on mandatory self-isolation and monitoring. We are currently supporting the District Health Directorate to conduct confirmation testing and the outcome will be made available in due course. Our First Priority will always be the health and safety of our workforce, families and communities.
We will continue to execute our response plans in accordance with our Company protocol and align with government advice regarding any further response and containment measures. Operations and activities are continuing safely on site in accordance with our business continuity objectives. We are confident that the Chirano team, both employees and contractors, will be successful in overcoming the current situation.
To achieve a successfully outcome our strong and responsible response depends on every one of you. It is important to conduct all communications in a responsible manner, as such, the privacy of those who are suspected to be affected should be strictly protected. As always, let us all remember to practice safe ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including safe hygiene, physical distancing, cleaning and sanitization of surfaces and frequent washing of hands. Stay safe, healthy and vigilant. I want to thank you for your cooperation.
Terence Watungwa Vice President and General Manager, Chirano Gold Mines Limited
