Team,
I regret to announce that that there has been a positive case of COVID-19 at Vancouver Shipyard. The individual, who works largely independent of others on the second shift, was last at VSY on Wednesday, November 4. Feeling unwell on Thursday morning, the individual did the right thing by staying home, advising their supervisor and Seaspan Wellness, and immediately going for a COVID test. That kind of proactive and responsible action is to be applauded and modelled by all of us. I know you will join me in sending best wishes for their fast and full recovery.
The risk of transmission in this instance has been deemed to be low. Nevertheless, public health officials will complete contact tracing and notify anyone who was potentially in close contact. A thorough cleaning of the workspace and tools has been completed.
It’s important to remember how and where exposure happens. If you have been closer than two metres (six feet) to someone with confirmed COVID for more than 15 minutes, without proper PPE, then you are considered to be a “close contact” as defined by provincial health. For contact tracing purposes this is defined within the 48 hours prior to symptom onset. For that reason, the single most important thing you can do to avoid transmission is to keep at least two metres (six feet) between you and others.
A secondary line of defence is to wear a mask. As a reminder, effective Monday, November 9, we will expect everyone to wear masks when in common areas inside all of Seaspan’s office buildings, including:
- When entering and exiting buildings
- Traveling in corridors, stairways and elevators
- In bathrooms
- In lunch rooms, coffee areas or cafeterias, unless seated physically distant from others
- When at someone else’s cubicle
Wearing a mask is not required if you are seated at your own desk, or in conference rooms if people are physically distant.
I know these COVID updates and changing requirements can be unsettling but, with the second wave of COVID now fully underway and flu season just beginning, the reality is we need to stay aware and responsive to new information and changing circumstances. The good news is Seaspan employees at all three of our yards are managing the pandemic extremely well and because of that we are better informed, prepared and safer.
So, once again, my ask of you is that if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness or feeling unwell, stay home, advise your supervisor and seek appropriate medical attention. If you are concerned or have any questions, please contact Tina Craig, Manager of Seaspan Wellness (w: 604-990-3316; c: 778-874-4438; e: wellness@seaspan.com).
Thank you for staying safe and staying vigilant.
Mark
Teamwork Builds Ships