Polgahawela MAS factory reports 380 COVID-19 cases

MAS yesterday announced that its ‘Thurulie’ plant in Polgahawela reported 380 COVID-19 positive cases, following 2,019 PCR tests. 

In a statement, MAS said as part of its preventative procedures towards curbing the spread of the third wave of COVID-19, it undertakes regular PCR testing at its manufacturing plants. This enables the plants to ensure that undetected and asymptomatic employees who are COVID-19 positive are placed in quarantine at care centres to prevent unknowingly spreading the virus further in their community or at the workplace.  

Following the discovery, the MAS management is currently working closely with the Government Health Authorities to determine the next steps that are to be taken by the plant management. The affected employees have been safely transferred to the company’s care centres.  

The statement said MAS operates with stringent COVID-19 prevention protocols in place, and all decisions related to the operations of the plants are taken based on the directives and in adherence to the relevant health authorities. The protection of its employees has always been the primary concern of the organisation.  

The company continues to provide extensive financial and logistical support to the Government Health Authorities by enhancing the current Intermediate Care Centre capacity as well as in expanding the medical care facilities required for COVID-19 patients in multiple localities and hospitals. While over 3,500 patients have been cared for in its dedicated care centre at Giriulla, MAS is now partnering with the Ministry of Health in establishing a new care centre at Polgolla – Kandy.