Covid-19: Precautionary measures lead to closure of Pikitup depot
ALEX – This is a precautionary measure after two employees were discovered to display Covid-19 related signs.
Precautionary measures have led to the closure of the Norwood Pikitup Depot.
According to deputy director of communications and stakeholder relations at the office of the MMC Stan Itshegetseng, “MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department, councillor Mpho Moerane, has learnt that two Pikitup employees have been tested for Covid-19 after a screening procedure indicated that they displayed symptoms related to the virus. It has also emerged that two family members of one of the affected employees were Covid-19 positive.”
Both employees stationed at Pikitup’s Norwood depot have since been tested for Covid-19 and their results are pending.
They have been placed on self-isolation.
Itshegetseng added that consequent to this sad discovery, MMC Moerane and the management of Pikitup resolved to immediately close the depot as a precautionary measure for 14 days. Employees at the depot have also been placed in self-quarantine for the same period. In the interim, augmented services will be deployed to ensure that the Pikitup services continue in areas serviced by the depot.
This decision is in line with Pikitup’s risk management approach to ensure that the danger of spreading the virus is contained.
The Norwood depot will be disinfected as part of the ongoing cleaning process. Pikitup’s health and wellness department will provide continuous monitoring services to all the employees during the isolation period and where Covid-19 symptoms are observed, such employees will be subjected to testing.
MMC Moerane values the health and safety of employees and calls upon all Pikitup staff to diligently follow the Covid-19 guidelines by regularly washing their hands with soap and water, sanitising their hands, constantly wearing the provided face masks and practicing social distancing at all times.
“I am grateful and appreciate the hard work that employees have been doing since the beginning of the lockdown. I request for calm and understanding during this difficult time and remind employees that Pikitup is an essential service provider therefore work must still continue,” the MMC said in conclusion.
