Absa has introduced precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at its headquarters in Johannesburg, this after a contractor from Spain displayed "flu-like" symptoms.
The group on Thursday issued a statement that several of its employees had been placed in self-quarantine after having come into contact with the contractor at the Absa Towers West.
"Absa became aware of a contractor from Spain, who has been on our premises since Tuesday, 10 March 2020, who reported to our health clinic at Absa Towers West in Johannesburg, complaining of flu-like symptoms," the group said in its statement.
The man was assisted by the Absa medical team to undergo the necessary testing procedures for COVID-19, in line with national guidelines. He has also been placed in immediate self-quarantine, Absa said.
"For some time, we have enhanced surveillance and monitoring of our own environment, including the symptoms Absa colleagues, contractors and visitors may be experiencing.
"We have been in contact with the individual's employer and they have put in place measures to assists him," the statement read.
Absa has also reported the suspected case to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). "The steps taken above are also in line with the guidelines of the NICD," the group assured.
Absa intends to provide an update on the matter within the next 48 hours, after tests have been completed.
"We would like to emphasise that the measures taken are purely precautionary by way of being proactive given the risks involved… These precautionary measures are taken to protect the health of colleagues, their families and the community," Absa said.
Earlier this week German software company SAP, took a decision to close its offices for two days after becoming aware that two of its employees had come into contact with a person confirmed to be infected with the virus, Fin24 previously reported. SAP said that it does not have a confirmed case, but was just taking precautionary measures.
There are now 17 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country – they have been reported in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Mpumalanga. The first positive case was reported last week, after a man from Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal returned from a trip to Italy. He was part of a group of 10 people who returned to South Africa on 1 March, News24 reported.
The World Health Organisation has since announced that it has become a pandemic. The outbreak has wreaked havoc in markets, triggering a massive sell-offs over the uncertainty.
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