Port workers come down with COVID

Four port workers have tested positive for COVID-19, the Barbados Port Inc. announced Wednesday.

In a statement, the BPI sought to give an assurance that the development would not affect port operations during the lockdown.

Contact tracing is underway to identify the primary contacts of the infected workers who “will be required to present to health authorities for testing”, the port said.

The port management added: “We have taken immediate steps to close and sanitize the areas where these individuals were assigned and will continue our rigorous daily cleaning and sanitization in accordance with recommended guidelines, to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus.

Barbados Port Inc said in consultation with the Ministry of Health, it has engaged the port workers’ unions on this latest development.

Operations at the Port of Bridgetown are currently restricted to the handling of essential and emergency cargo during the lockdown.

The port said: “Our primary interest remains the safety of our full team, as we continue to follow all the guidelines and protocols issued by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.” (BT/PR)