Dept shuts down, staff undergo testing after Covid-19 scare

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
THE 152 employees of a government department are undergoing testing after a colleague was recently in contact with a Covid-19 positive person.
National Planning and Monitoring Department Secretary Koney Samuel told The National that the department had to be closed yesterday morning for two days to allow the workers to undergo testing.
Samuel told The National that the office was locked on Tuesday morning after several staff members complained of flu-like symptoms.
“We are taking precaution with staff sent to two testing sites to get tested and cleared. The office is expected to reopen on Thursday morning,” he said.
“The office space is being cleaned and as per the cleaning programme, it will take 24 hours before we are allowed back into the office.
“I am not taking any chances and will ensure the office goes through the proper protocols.”
Samuel said he had been tested already and would be working from home like all staff members.
“I’m not taking chances and will ensure my officers are protected and their families are protected,” he said.
“The 152 staff members will be tested and (we will make decisions from) the result.
“We will take it from there. All proper Covid-19 protocols will be adhered to by all officers of the department.”