Singtel disinfects office floor after staff gets COVID-19
SINGAPORE — Singtel has disinfected the 20th floor of its Somerset office overnight and told employees working on that level to work from home after a staff member was infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus.
In a statement to Yahoo News Singapore on Friday (6 March), the telco said the employee was diagnosed with the virus on Thursday night.
“He is currently in hospital receiving treatment and we are supporting him and his family in every way we can,” said a Singtel spokesperson.
The staff was at work last Wednesday and was thereafter on medical leave.
“Our immediate priority has been to manage and minimise the risk of infection at Singtel Comcentre I where our colleague worked on level 20.”
A health ministry-approved cleaning crew thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the entire 20th floor overnight, said the spokesperson. The building has 32 floors.
“Meanwhile, those working on the same floor have been instructed to work from home for 14 days, closely monitor for symptoms and practice strict social distancing while contact tracing is conducted in tandem with MOH,” the spokesperson said.
Singtel is also working swiftly to identify all close contacts.
The spokesperson added that the telco had implemented team segregation and workplace diversity measures since the health ministry’s alert level was raised to Orange, to manage the risk of infection while ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
“Our (business continuity plans) also include strict travel bans and declaration requirements besides stringent visitor controls.
“We have imposed a higher frequency of cleaning and disinfection of all office premises which are equipped with temperature screening and sanitisers. We will continue to stay vigilant to protect the health and well-being of our staff,” added the spokesperson.
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