Staff Reporter
Operations have resumed at Clover’s Bloemfontein factory which was temporarily closed last week after five employees tested positive for COVID-19.
A joint statement issued by the Free State health and the dairy and beverages company indicated that they had completed the contact tracing process and comprehensive testing to ensure they contain any further spreading of the deadly coronavirus.
The first employee to test positive lives in Botshabelo and it was also necessary to trace other commuters who may have travelled with him to work as his colleagues.
“All 369 Clover employees as well as 12 taxi drivers and seven cleaners were tested,” read part of the statement released Saturday.
“From the 388 tests carried out, five positive COVID-19 cases were identified. The individuals who tested positive have been isolated and all those that were traced to have had contact with them have been quarantined,” added the statement.
Production at the Bloemfontein factory was halted several times over the past week to facilitate deep cleaning processes also known as fogging which was recommended by the provincial health department.
The outstanding test results have now been received and were negative. Only employees that have tested negative are allowed to work.
The health department praised Clover for the health and safety measures it has implemented across all its facilities to prevent the spread of the virus and identify any possible cases as early as possible.
It described Clover’s hygiene and safety processes as excellent, adding Clover’s proactive quarantine and tracing actions had helped limit the spread of the virus.
“It is through working together that South Africa will flatten the curve and curb the transmission of COVID-19. The Department of Health appreciates the high level of cooperation received from Clover and its employees by allowing full access to their premises, including enabling officials to carry out the screening and testing processes,” said the statement.