Team,
Vancouver Shipyards has had 4 positive COVID-19 cases and 14 close contacts reported in 3 days. They must now self-isolate, curtailing their work and lives. This also impacts our team-mates.
This is an alarming trend, and we need to immediately double down and do better.
The good news is that the four individuals who have tested positive have confirmed their exposure to COVID-19 happened outside of work. However, I am disappointed to learn that a common factor driving the scary rate of additional close contact exposures is the low compliance or the complete absence of physical distancing and masks worn within six feet of others.
We cannot relax – complacency regarding mask-wearing and physical distancing is putting us all – and the shipyard – at risk. We must all increase our efforts to limit the transmission of this virus.
- Effective immediately, masks will now be mandatory for the duration of all Toolbox Talks.
- If you are carpooling with individuals outside of your household bubble – mask-wearing is strongly recommended. Your coworkers are not your bubble – your immediate household is. Keep physically distanced from everyone else wherever possible.
- Keep 6 feet apart from coworkers when you can’t wear a mask, especially when you are eating, drinking, or in smoking areas.
- Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing is extremely important and can help reduce the spread of the virus. Plentiful sanitizer supplies are available in the yards, please make full use of them.
Remember, COVID-19 is not created in our workplace, it is carried in. We must use every precaution – and common sense – to keep ourselves and others safe. I encourage you to hold others accountable. People can be reminded, politely, to wear a mask or stay further away.
Continue to complete our daily self-assessments and report any changes to your health, however minor the symptoms may feel. If a family member or friend tells you that they may have potentially exposed you to the virus, take a test – it is possible to be asymptomatic and still have the coronavirus. If you are concerned or have any questions, please contact the dedicated hotline for the Wellness team (e: wellness@seaspan.com; t: 604-984-1313).
We wish everyone currently isolating at home well in their recovery. Please keep safety top of mind as we are clearly not out of the woods and the last few days are a reality check of how quickly things can change.
Mark
Teamwork Builds Ships