Cora Gold prepares operating camps for Covid-19

The AIM-traded firm said that as a result, a business continuity programme had been put in place to protect its staff, while ensuring safe operations.

It said that having spoken with local government, staff and contractors, strict protocols had been implemented to reduce the risk of transmission of Covid-19 at all its “relatively isolated” camps in Mali and Senegal.

They included, but were not limited to, twice daily temperature checks for all staff, regular hand cleaning points, reduced movement of staff and a two-week supply of fuel and food to allow operations to continue in relative isolation while the firm monitored the situation in the region.

Isolation units had been set up in the event that any symptoms showed, and there were medical clinics less than an hour away by road, in the event the symptoms persisted for any extended period.

All field camps were currently operating with no expatriate staff, as was generally the case for the company regardless of the current situation.

The situation in respect of Covid-19 was described by the board as “an evolving one”, with the directors saying they would continue to review its potential impact on staff, and provide further updates as appropriate.

“As the impact of Covid-19 escalates, our focus has been on protecting our employees,” said chief executive officer Bert Monro.

“Accordingly, we have taken advice from a variety of sources, which have led us to believe that it is best to continue with our programmes given the remoteness of operations and their ability to continue for the time being in isolation; with additional safety measures implemented, our employees may be safer on site than returning to areas of much higher population density.

“Naturally, we will continue to monitor the situation and change our plans immediately if appropriate.”