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MPL employee tests positive for COVID-19

Shahudha Mohamed
01 May 2020, MVT 17:19
CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Shahid Ali speaking at the press conference held by National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC). PHOTO: NEOC
Shahudha Mohamed
01 May 2020, MVT 17:19

CEO and Managing Director of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Shahid Ali confirmed on Friday, that an employee of the company tested positive for COVID-19.

Speaking at the press briefing held by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), Shahid disclosed that their test results were confirmed five days ago and their last day of duty was April 18.

He also added that although one employee tested positive, no other MPL workers were known to have contracted the disease.

Employees of MPL are currently working in three separate factions, including those working from home, working from lockdown, and working on active duty. The employee who tested positive was on active duty.

"[The employee] was not under lockdown with other staff", Shahid confirmed, "We have not yet received information of another staff being exposed to the disease or testing positive after [this incident]".

According to Shahid, the only staff on active duty were those that volunteered to do so in recognition of the fact that the services provided by MPL are of essential need to the public.

Noting that a total of 168 employees were under lockdown in MPL, including heavy vehicle and vessel operators, mechanics, drivers and electricians, Shahid stated that they were placed under lockdown to minimise their exposure to the virus.

"Their level of exposure increases if they have to travel from home to work and back. This may also affect the port's operations".

Shahid added that arrangements were made for essential staff to work from lockdown as well.

Moreover, Shahid assured that the company was also ensuring the safety of labour workers handling the goods in the port area, by maintaining distance during collaborative work with MPL employees.

According to the latest statistic publicised by Health Protection Agency (HPA), Maldives now records 468 confirmed, 451 active cases of COVID-19 and a total of 17 recoveries. The country recorded its first virus death, an 83-year-old local female, on Wednesday evening.

Following the first confirmed local transmission on April 15, Malé has recorded a significant increase in COVID-19 cases. The city is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

In addition to the capital, COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Uligan in Haa Alif Atoll, Narudhoo and Milandhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, and Thulusdhoo in Kaafu Atoll.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the spread of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. The new strain of novel coronavirus has infected over 3.3 million people and claimed over 234,000 lives around the world. However, out of those infected, more than a million people have recovered.

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