446 employees of MAS Holdings test positive for COVID-19

A total of 446 employees of factories coming under MAS Holdings have tested positive with COVID-19 at four facilities while there has been a handful of other infections at other facilities, one of Sri Lanka’s largest garment manufacturing groups said on Thursday.

In a statement, the company said 154 cases were reported at Linea Aqua – Hanwella; 120 at Unichela – Panadura; 123 at Thurulie – Thulhiriya; and 49 at Contourline – Pallakelle.

“In addition to the above, several of our other facilities in Sri Lanka have recorded a handful of cases amongst their associates and continue following protocols to contact trace, test and isolate where required. At all times and at all our facilities, the health and care of our associates is our primary concern. MAS is actively cooperating with the local health authorities, while conforming to their recommendations and assists in providing any required information in a transparent manner,” it said.

Unless otherwise directed by the respective PHI, infected employees and any other infected family members are being admitted to the MAS COVID-19 Care Centre in Giriulla, managed by the Ministry of Health.

At Linea Aqua – Hanwella, following the advice of local authorities, the facility was closed from January 1 to 6 as a precautionary measure and re-opened with a limited number of employees on-site. At Unichela – Panadura, the plant re-commenced operations on December 28 after a brief closure, adhering to the re-opening procedure advised by the health authorities.

At Thurulie – Thulhiriya, the plant has ceased operations for the shift that was impacted between the December 23 and January 4. However, the plant continues to operate with those employees who are cleared to come into work by the authorities and the management. Ongoing testing is being conducted to identify any further infections and the mandated preventive measures are being adhered to diligently.