Michelle Slater
EnergyAustralia has confirmed that four Yallourn workers have tested positive for COVID-19 on the weekend.
Head of Yallourn Greg McIntyre said five workers had returned positive rapid antigen COVID tests but four were confirmed positive through a PCR test.
Mr McIntyre said the results have been reported to the Department of Health.
“Our internal contact tracing has determined an isolated group of workers as close contacts. They have been alerted, undergone rapid and PCR testing and will not return to work until clear,” Mr McIntyre said.
“Yallourn’s COVID response team have been planning for this situation and are well prepared. A highly developed COVID safety program is being followed.”
Nurses at Yallourn conducted a further 128 rapid tests on Saturday with no other positive results, and exposure sites had undergone a deep clean.
Mr McIntyre said they were meeting with all site contractors to emphasise the importance of mask wearing, social distancing, hygiene and not coming to work if feeling sick.
Everyone working at Yallourn – aside from a small number with medical exemptions- has received at least one COVID vaccination in line with Victorian government directions, and will be fully vaccinated by November 26.
“Keeping our people and the local community safe, particularly during the current maintenance program, is our number one priority,” Mr McIntyre said.
“The operations team at Yallourn is working under strict protocols to ensure electricity generation continues, as well as work on the current maintenance program which is scheduled to be completed in December.”
