High number of COVID-19 cases at MAS facility in Mahiyanganaya

Shadeline, an apparel facility at Mahiyanganaya owned by MAS Holdings, has been shut down after a significant number of COVID-19 positive employees was detected.

“Due to the relatively high number of asymptomatic employees testing positive, whilst their close contacts are identified within the plant it was temporarily closed by MAS as precautionary measures, after consultation with the local PHI and MOH,” the company said in an announcement on Friday.

Employees and their immediate families who tested positive have been placed in the MAS COVID-19 Care Centre in Giriulla, or as directed by the local PHI. The Shadeline facility will undergo extensive decontamination procedures during the closure period and will only re-commence based on the test results of the selected sample of employees, as directed by the authorities.

At all MAS plants in Sri Lanka, 5% of employees are randomly tested for COVID-19 weekly as a preventative measure, as directed by the Ministry of Health and BOI. This is in addition to the stringent social distancing, screening for symptoms and disinfection protocols that are in place. When positive cases are detected their close contacts are traced and tested. In each instance, decisions of which areas need to be isolated or whether the plant needs to be closed are taken based on the recommendations of the PHI and MOH. “At all times and at all our facilities, the health of our associates is our primary concern and MAS actively cooperates with the local health authorities, conforms to their recommendations and assists in providing any required information in a transparent manner,” MAS said.