DCM miner test positive for Covid-19
According to the DCM, the affected employee’s last shift at work was on March 26.
STEELPOORT – The Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine (DCM) has confirmed that one of their employees has tested positive for Covid-19 coronavirus.
In a letter directed to the employees by the mine management, the DCM reveals that the employee was detected on April 29.
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“Please be informed that one of our employees has been confirmed positive case of Covid-19. The affected person was detected during the screening process on April 29 prior to the commencement of the shift,” read the statement sent by the mine’s general manager (GM) Riaan Burger. According to the DCM, the affected employee’s last shift at work was on March 26.
“Since the commencement of lockdown, the employee never visited the mine. She was subjected to the screening process, as part of the return to work protocols. During the screening process the employee presented with signs and symptoms of flu and was then referred to the mine’s clinic for further screening.”
The DCM indicated that the employee has been in self-isolation since April 29
The mine also confirmed that relevant government departments have been informed of the case and will assist with the management process thereof.
“We will do what is reasonably possible to assist the employee. We will immediately, through our wellness office, commence with the contact tracing process in order to identify employees who may have come into contact with the affected employee.
“In this case the Department of Health and National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) protocols will be followed, Employees who may have come into contact with the affected employee will be required to undergo the COVID-19 test and self-isolate whilst waiting for the results.”
The DCM said they are committed to maintaining confidentiality in relation to the medical conditions of all employees.
“This includes the information in relation to testing for whatever infectious or non-infectious diseases a person may have and is an important ethical imperative.
“Naming people in e-mails or over social media platforms or releasing information about them that could identify them must please be avoided. We wish our colleague well and a speedy return to good health,” said the statement.
The mine also reminded its employees about the Covid-19 symptoms.
“We would like to remind employees, as was done during the screening and induction before resumption of duty, about the following five criteria for the screening of potential coronavirus cases: a runny nose, sore throat, cough, high temperature, and fever.”
Those who recently travelled to a high or medium risk country or area and the ones who came into contact with a person infected by the virus were urged to consult their doctors.
The mine also urged those who suspected that they have acquired the virus to inform the company, or consult their doctors and stay at home.
The DCM miner is the second case of Covid 19 recorded in the Sekhukhune District Municipality and the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality area.
This publication learnt that the clinic has suspended operations pending the test results of medical personnel and the disinfection of the clinic.
The DCM case is the second Covid 19 recorded in the Sekhukhune District Municipality and the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality area.
On April 26, Limpopo MEC for health Dr Phophi Ramathuba confirmed that a 55-year-old man succumbed to the virus at a private surgery in Burgersfort.
