DP World Australia’s Port Botany terminal is back up and running after shutting down on Wednesday after an employee returned a positive COVID-19 test.
DP World Australia CEO Andrew Adam told DCN that while some time was lost yesterday (15 September) as a result of the employee’s positive COVID test, operations have resumed as normal.
“I’m pleased to say we’ve been able to resume road operations and we’re continuing to work the vessels,” he said.
“There have been some disruptions to services, but we’re back on track and we expect this to continue going forward.”
A spokesperson for South Eastern Sydney Local Health District told DCN the district’s public health unit (PHU) had completed an assessment of COVID-19 risk at DP World following notification yesterday of COVID-19 infection in one worker.
“Close contacts of the worker have been identified and will isolate for 14 days since their exposure. Other staff may continue to work provided they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19,” the spokesperson said.
“The PHU understands that appropriate thorough site cleaning has been completed.”
Mr Adam said as a result of the employee who returned a positive COVID test, 99 employees and contractors were deemed either close contacts or casual contacts.
“Of the 99 employees and contractors, 63 are casual contacts and 36 are close contacts,” he said.
Mr Adam said, in accordance with NSW Health rules, the 63 casual contacts need to self-isolate until they return a negative COVID test result. He said 39 of these employees have already returned to work after receiving negative test results.
The 36 close contacts, however, are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Slots and timezones were closed at the terminal on Wednesday from 1100 through 2200hrs, and all operations during the time were impacted.
DP World Australia has announced it would make COVID-19 vaccines mandatory for its workforce.
This article was updated at 0900 17 September to include information from South Eastern Sydney Local Health District.
