More workers of MAS Group factories test positive for COVID

Apparel giant MAS yesterday issued the following statement on the discovery of several employees infected with COVID-19 and steps taken to contain the spread of the virus recommended by Health authorities.

“As the number of COVID-19 infections increase across the island, the management of MAS is paying close attention to its manufacturing facilities that have detected a number of employees with the virus. 

“Each of these facilities are working closely with their regional Medical Officers and Health and Public Health Inspectors to monitor the situation at the plants and in their respective communities. Stringent preventative measures recommended by the authorities have been adhered to as an ongoing policy.

“Unless otherwise directed by the respective PHI, infected employees and any other infected family members are being admitted to the MAS COVID-19 Care Centre in Giriulla, managed by the Ministry of Health.”

Linea Aqua - Hanwella

“Based on contact tracing and testing that was conducted, 154 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 since 31 December 2020. Following the advice of local authorities, the facility was closed from 1 to 6 January 2021 as a precautionary measure and re-opened with a limited number of employees on-site. Continuous contact tracing and follow up testing will take place along with sanitising the facility as an ongoing preventative measure.”

Unichela – Panadura

“The plant re-commenced operations on 28 December 2020 after a brief closure, adhering to the re-opening procedure advised by the health authorities. During the past week, 35 more employees have been detected with the virus, bringing the total infected at the plant to 120, of which 60 employees have since recovered and discharged from their respective care centres.”

Thurulie – Thulhiriya

“As a result of ongoing random testing, 123 employees have tested positive as of date and over 900 close contacts of the infected employees have been placed in self-quarantine. The plant has ceased operations for the shifts that were impacted between 23 December and 4 January. However, the plant continues to operate with those employees who are cleared to come into work by the authorities and the management. Ongoing testing is being conducted to identify any further infections and the mandated preventive measures are being adhered to diligently. All employees affected were transferred to the MAS Care Centre in Giriulla and as of date, seven individuals have been discharged.”

Contourline – Pallakelle

“A total of 49 of our associates have tested positive during testing conducted last week, resulting in the closure of the plant on 4 January. All these individuals have been transferred to the Care Centre. Health and Safety protocols have been strictly adhered to at all times at the plant, which has enabled the staff members to clearly identify those who had contracted the virus. All contacts have been asked to self-quarantine and the plant continues to operate based on the directives of the Government and local health authorities. MAS has also taken measures to take care of our associates and provide them with the necessary facilities during this time in quarantine. Further testing is ongoing based on the analysis and recommendations of the PHI, MOH and the Epidemiology Unit.

“In addition, several of our other facilities in Sri Lanka have recorded a handful of cases amongst their associates and continue following protocols to contact trace, test and isolate where required. At all times and at all our facilities, the health and care of our associates is our primary concern. MAS is actively cooperating with the local health authorities, while conforming to their recommendations and assists in providing any required information in a transparent manner.”