14 workers test positive for COVID-19 at Exxon offshore facility

ExxonMobil Guyana on Friday confirmed reports that 14 rotational workers who are supporting operations in the Stabroek Block have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

Exxon’s Public and Government Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud, relayed to the media that most of the cases are “asymptomatic” or persons with “mild symptoms.”

“These individuals have been appropriately isolated to limit the spread of the virus,” Persaud said.

Eleven of the 14 workers who tested postive remain in isolation on the Noble Tom Madden, while three have been transferred to appropriate isolation facilities onshore “under the care and custody of their employer.”

If necessary, Exxon said, plans are in place to safely transport the remaining positive workers onshore.

“Safe and healthy workplaces remain a top priority for ExxonMobil Guyana and its contractors,” a statement from the company noted.

“We have well-established processes in place to manage impacts related to infectious disease outbreaks, which have allowed us to identify these cases early,” the company added.

Exxon also relayed that back in 2020, COVID-19 prevention screening facilities were established in country and abroad to safely manage rotators coming in and departing the country.

It reported that since this arrangement began, it successfully transferred “more than 10,000 persons without a positive case offshore.”

“There are medical personnel onboard our offshore facilities and they are taking necessary precautions to monitor the health of the workers and provide appropriate treatment and care.”

The US oil giant noted too that operations at their six drillships and the Liza Destiny FPSO remain unaffected at this time.