THE Ministry of Health’s Project Execution Unit (PEU) says 13 COVID-19 cases identified among workers at the construction site of the new Moruca hospital have been contained, following concerns raised by the Santa Rosa Village Council over the movement of workers and compliance with health protocols.
The confirmed cases involved 11 Chinese workers and two Guyanese workers, according to an update issued by the PEU following engagement with the contractor, supervisory consultant and the Ministry of Health’s Disease and Surveillance Department.
The contractor has reported that no additional cases have been recorded at the construction site since the 13 cases were identified.
The PEU said it responded to the concerns by directing the contractor to strengthen containment measures, including establishing dedicated quarantine arrangements, restricting contact between infected and non-infected workers, and ensuring that affected workers remained in quarantine until they were formally cleared by health authorities.
Documentation and photographic evidence subsequently submitted by the contractor reportedly confirmed the implementation of infection-control measures at the site.
These included designated isolation areas, physical distancing, daily ventilation and disinfection, mandatory mask use, hand sanitisers, health screening of workers and continued coordination with the Kumaka District Hospital.
The PEU said workers diagnosed with COVID-19 were not released from quarantine at the contractor’s discretion. Their release was subject to formal clearance from a health professional, with the procedure verified by supervisory consultants stationed at the site.
Supporting clearance documentation received from the Kumaka District Hospital confirmed that the affected workers had completed the required isolation and recovery period and had no signs or symptoms requiring continued isolation or exclusion from the workplace.
The workers were subsequently cleared to return to work after satisfying the applicable health requirements.
As part of the ongoing prevention and control measures, the contractor has designated Tang Jian as its focal point for communication with the Kumaka District Hospital and the Santa Rosa Village Council.
The PEU said, based on the containment measures implemented and the health clearance documentation received, it is satisfied that the immediate risk associated with the identified cases has been appropriately managed under the direction of health authorities.
However, the Unit stressed that vigilance must be maintained at the construction site, with the contractor and supervisory consultant instructed to immediately report and manage any new suspected or confirmed cases in accordance with Ministry of Health protocols.
The PEU also assured residents that it remains committed to ensuring that construction of the new Moruca hospital does not compromise the health and safety of the surrounding community.
It thanked the Santa Rosa Village Council for raising its concerns and encouraged continued engagement so that any issues involving the project or the conduct of the workforce can be promptly investigated and addressed.