This article was published in November 2020 and may be outdated.
Manitoba Hydro is updating the COVID-19 test results from the Keeyask Generating Station construction site today, reporting 20 workers have now been confirmed positive in a second test processed by the Cadham Provincial Lab. Another 11 workers with an initial “not clear” are awaiting the results of the second test from Cadham.
All close contacts of those who received a confirmed positive test along with close contacts of any workers identified as “not clear” through the preliminary PCR screening test, are being isolated. There are currently 59 workers isolating in special dorm rooms at the Keeyask site.
“We are acting quickly in accordance with the COVID-19 response plan developed for the Keeyask Project and adapting that response as needed – as we all are across Manitoba – to stop the spread of this virus,” said Jay Grewal, Manitoba Hydro’s President & CEO. “This includes continuing our daily communication with our partners to ensure they have the latest, up-to-date information.
“Manitoba Hydro had already implemented the requirements of a code red designation where applicable prior to this declaration and we continue to work closely with public health authorities and our Keeyask Cree Nation partners to coordinate our response to these COVID cases, providing frequent and timely updates on the situation,” added Grewal.
“We are all in this together.”
Steps taken since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed at Keeyask on October 25 include the testing of all workers at site and initiating a temporary workforce reduction. Table seating was also removed in the dining hall, requiring workers to take meals in their dorm rooms, and the camp’s gym, movie theatre and lounge are all temporarily closed. This is in addition to extensive protocols already in place ranging from mandatory mask wearing in common spaces to daily screening of work crews prior to the start of every workday.
Site staff are continuing to implement additional measures working in concert with public health officials. This includes, for example, performing in-person inspections of all transportation from the camp to the work site to ensure all physical distancing and masking requirements are being followed and locking off outdoor smoking areas where employees might congregate.
Manitoba Hydro will continue to provide updates on the situation at Keeyask. Read latest information on the provincial COVID response and how to stay safe.
For more information, please contact:
Bruce Owen – Media Relations Officer
204-794-8270
bowen@hydro.mb.ca
Scott Powell — Director, Corporate Communications
204-360-4417
Cell. 204-299-8849
spowell@hydro.mb.ca