Tullow Off-shore staff test positive for COVID-19

Ghana’s upstream oil and gas industry has been hit by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) following the confirmation of 57 new positive cases among workers on the Jubilee Field operated by Tullow Oil on Friday.

Last Tuesday, May 26, 2020, the first two cases were confirmed and an immediate contact tracing exercise was done and it led to the confirmation of an additional one case on Thursday, May, 28, 2020.

They are all asymptomatic.

The remaining 50 personnel onboard the KNK FPSO tested negative, according to a statement issued by Tullow Ghana on Friday, May 29, 2020.

The first cases were on the premier production platform, FPSO Kwame Nkrumah.

As part of contact tracing, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) tested personnel on board the contractor support vessel CSV Lancelot and that has led to the confirmation of 57 additional cases.

The management of Tullow have however explained that the development will not impact production, as those people identified, have already been isolated and are being managed.

Below is a copy of the statement

UPDATE ON COVID-19 CASES ON TULLOW GHANA FACILITIES; PRODUCTION UNAFFECTED

Following the report of 2 positive cases of COVID-19 by Tullow Ghana on 26 May 2020, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) confirmed on Thursday 28 May that contact tracing and testing of personnel onboard the Kwame Nkrumah (KNK) FPSO revealed 1 positive case of COVID-19.

The affected individual is in good health and has been medically evacuated from the KNK to an onshore isolation facility for monitoring.

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The remaining 50 personnel onboard the KNK FPSO tested negative. Production on board the FPSO remains unaffected.

Also as part of contact tracing, GHS tested personnel on board contractor support vessel CSV Lancelot.

GHS has confirmed today, that 57 of the 200 personnel onboard the CSV Lancelot tested positive for COVID-19.

All affected personnel are being brought onshore for isolation and case management.

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Tullow’s immediate concern is for the safety and well-being of personnel and the public, and to minimize any potential for spread of the virus. Enhanced social distancing is being enforced on both vessels and permanent restriction of movement between CSV Lancelot and KNK is in place.

Tullow Ghana reiterates its commitment to the WHO and GHS safety protocols and procedures to limit the risk of spreading Covid-19.

Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh 

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