On November 27, we became aware that a third Cameco employee from Cameco Fuel Manufacturing (CFM) in Port Hope has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee was last at work on November 24 and did not enter the workplace with symptoms. Cameco is providing the affected employee with support to ensure they have the resources they need. Our thoughts are with them and we hope that they recover well.
Two positive cases of COVID-19 at CFM Port Hope were previously identified on November 19 and 24. As a result of a third positive case at CFM Port Hope, Cameco was notified by the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit that it has declared an outbreak at the facility. Following provincial guidelines, public health declares an outbreak when there is confirmation that two cases have been transmitted in the workplace.
We are taking this situation seriously and have arranged for on-site COVID-19 rapid testing at the Port Hope plant for Monday, November 30 which will be administered by a third-party medical provider. Employees who had contact with the positive cases on November 24 and 27 will be prioritized for testing if they have not already been tested.
In order to accommodate the testing, Cameco will delay the weekly start-up time at its Cameco Fuel Manufacturing facility in Port Hope by 24-hours and plans to resume operations at 11 p.m. on Monday, November 30.
This is a difficult time for all our employees who are essential workers and have worked throughout the pandemic. The health and safety of all our employees remains our top priority and we are working with our company medical team and public health authorities and continue to follow their guidance.
Cameco will issue a follow-up statement on Monday once the results from the onsite testing are completed.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
