28 Oct 2021

Otago gold mine deep cleaned as contractor self isolates

6:43 pm on 28 October 2021

Areas of the Macraes gold mine in Otago are being deep cleaned, after they were visited by a person connected to the Covid-19 cases in Christchurch.

Oceana Gold's open pit mine at Macraes.

Macraes gold mine in Otago has commenced a precautionary deep clean of its common areas. Photo: SUPPLIED

Macraes Operation general manager Mike Fischer said common areas in the processing plant were being cleaned after an alert that the partner of a contractor was considered a close contact of one of the Christchurch cases.

"The operation has well-established and comprehensive protocols in place to manage this event and immediately commenced a precautionary deep clean of common areas, including crib rooms and meeting rooms."

Buses used to transport staff were also being deep cleaned.

The contractor and their partner were advised to get tested and isolate until results were returned.

Fischer said the health, safety and wellbeing of its workforce and community was a priority and it was also working with the Ministry of Health to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of their workforce.

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