Following confirmed cases of coronavirus in Italy, the Italian oilfield contractor Saipem has advised its employees to stay at home. Saipem has also canceled and reduced to the minimum all missions to and from the risk areas abroad.
As reported by The New York Times on Sunday, the country announced more than 150 cases , many in the densely populated region around Milan, as officials closed schools and canceled Venice’s carnival celebrations.
Saipem said on Monday that, following confirmed cases of CoronaVirus (Covid-19) to date on Italian territory and in particular in Lombardy, it had immediately activated itself to guarantee maximum health and safety for its employees, customers, and suppliers, in compliance with the indications of the Ministry of Health and the Regions involved.
Since Friday, February 21, all employees with residence in the municipalities indicated by the regions involved have been invited to stay at their home, avoiding social interactions, Saipem said.
“Saipem’s Health and Occupational Medicine structure is in contact with all the people involved through a direct communication channel to provide them with prompt indications and the best possible assistance,” Saipem said.
In addition, as a further safety action on top of those already in place, the work areas of the Milanese offices have been sanitized during the weekend of February 22 and 23, with specific viricidal and bactericidal products. The same action will be repeated daily in all Saipem workplaces.
At the same time, all missions abroad, to and from risk areas, are canceled and reduced to the minimum, Saipem noted.
In addition, through the WHO (World Health Organization), the possible occurrence of further limitations against travelers to and from Italy is monitored and will be promptly notified.
Finally, the company has activated an assessment aimed at reducing the physical presence in the office, while maintaining business continuity.
“We will take care to further communicate and update, both internally and externally, in real time on the situation developments,” Saipem concluded.