RADHICA DE SILVA
radhica.sookraj@guardian.co.tt
A Penal mechanic employed with the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has tested positive for COVID-19.
Guardian Media understands that several of his colleagues have expressed concern that proper procedures were not followed after the worker tested positive.
A source, who requested anonymity, said the T&TEC manager had refused to rotate staff as specified by the Chief Medical Officer and the Prime Minister.
During his last address to the media, Prime Minister Dr Rowley said permanent secretaries in the Public Service should reduce the number of public servants required to work at any one time through a rotation system for the next 14 days, in a bid to reduce the workforce by 50 per cent.
However, the source said this was never done by T&TEC managers.
In a voice note sent to Guardian Media, it was said that workers were not given proper guidelines.
"Management said the mechanic was tested and he went to the workers and indicated what went on. He [the manager] told the workers to stay by the desk. Public servants should be on rotation. they haven't done that. They said this is a military camp and if you get it, it’s because you walked away from your desk. That is the measures they have in place for those workers," the source alleges.
In May this year, five workers from T&TEC were tested after they came into contact with a COVID-19 positive case. T&TEC later issued a notice saying there were no cases at the Commission but noted that one worker was sent into self-isolation as a precautionary measure.
There also are unconfirmed reports that a fire officer from Couva tested positive.
T&T recorded 43 new cases this morning, bringing the total count to 369. The health ministry says this is a cumulative figure from August 5th to the present.
Guardian Media will bring you more, as information comes to hand.