Barkerville Gold Mines Ltd. (BGM) is nearly back to normal after a worker tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
General manager Paul Ratte said the mine has new policies in place, including making masks mandatory and temperature checks for employees and contractors.
“To be honest, it wasn’t so much a scare,” he said of the positive test. “We have pretty stringent protocols in place already to manage COVID-19 in case it does happen.”
The worker tested positive after leaving BGM’s work camp, but could have been positive between July 26-28. None of their close contacts have shown symptoms of COVID-19. They also had no close contacts within the community of Wells.
“BGM is in ongoing communication with Northern Health and is following their guidance regarding the situation,” a news release reads. “BGM has initiated, and will continue to screen all employees, contractors and consultants for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 on a daily basis when accessing BGM property.”
READ MORE: Wells mining camp worker tests positive for COVID-19
Ratte said the positive test allowed BGM to refine their COVID-19 proceedures.
“It was good that it happened,” he said. “I think we did a really good job.”
After the positive test, the company suspended all diamond drilling activities. Ratte added he expected those programs to be back up and running later this week.
READ MORE: 42 more people test positive for COVID-19 in B.C.
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