Purity Bakeries is closed today to facilitate COVID-19 tests for all staff.
A media statement said three employees tested positive for COVID-19 after “external exposure to the virus”.
“Hence, the company has stepped up precautions to ensure the continuing safety of its employees and will close Friday, February 12 to test all staff. The affected employees are receiving the appropriate medical care in isolation and primary contacts already identified are in self-isolation and also being tested.
“Purity Bakeries is working in close consultation with the COVI-19 Monitoring Unit of the Ministry of Health, with a view to ensuring that the company can maintain production of its products, recognising its critical role in the food supply chain.”
The statement said the company “remains confident in its ability to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in its plant, given its commitment to maintaining an industry standard hygienic environment that is subject to the most exacting food safety standards”.
Management recently met with all employees in a series of COVID-19 counselling sessions, and continues to enforce strict adherence to established protocols for preventing the transmission of COVID-19, according to the statement.
Protocols include the wearing of masks, regular hand washing and personal sanitisation, the use of screens and social distancing protocols including during lunch breaks.
The company has also increased the frequency of its regularly scheduled plant cleanings, including between shifts, and a more comprehensive overnight cleaning and sanitisation.
“All of these steps have been approved by the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit which continues to monitor the ongoing measures within Purity Bakeries to eliminate any threat of COVID-19 to its employees or customers.” (PR)
