Apex Mining Co., Inc. (AMCI) gave an update on January 02, 2021 following the initial situational report on COVID-19 positive cases submitted to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) last December 14, 2020. The report states from 69 COVID-positives on the previous report, an additional 15 were confirmed from December 15-30. On December 31, a total of 43 cases have recovered after being certified and cleared by medical doctors, with the remaining 41 active cases and are isolated in the Municipal Units of Maco, Mawab, Compostela, and Nabunturan.
The medical team worked with safety officers to conduct triage on the identified employees and from there, evaluated those who should undergo swab tests based on the considerations suggested by Davao de Oro’s Public Health Office.
Further updates as per AMCI are as follow:
- Partially lifted the lockdown of the Polyplex Dormitory and the Senior Staff house under strict regulation on adherence to health and safety protocols. The offices of the Support Services were partially opened to cater to urgent and necessary services, Finance/Accounting, Human Resources, and purchasing but under close supervision of the safety department to ensure health protocols. Others are on work from home status and the rest were advised to stay home until recalled.
- The employees who tested positive were turned over to the Local Government Unit (LGU) to be accommodated in their isolation facilities; together with the Medical Unit and with the assistance of the Barangay health workers, they are continuously being monitored to address immediate symptoms that may occur. Likewise, they are provided with supplies of medicines, food, and necessities.
- Out of the first 7 positive cases, 6 have already recovered while one (1) is still in the hospital.
- All COVID-19 patients that have completed the 14-day quarantine period were re-swabbed last December 23, 2020, while those with negative results were medically cleared. The ones still positive continue with their isolation.
- F1 contracts who have undergone 14-day quarantine were advised to secure medical clearances from their respective LGUs to be submitted to AMCI medical team for documentation.
- Onsite, F1 employees who completed the 14-day quarantine are assessed and given medical certificates, as well as considered fit to work based on the Department of Health guidelines.
- Continuously coordinated with the government agencies for the implementation of measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
- Mine and mill operations continue at reduced capacity.
By: Mineral Economics, Information and Publication Division