By Lynda Myer
While in last weeks the number of workers who need self-isolation, have increased in Crossrail project, most of them have not really tested positive for Covid-19, according to the project’s latest update to the London Assembly.
According to the updates: “With a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases and those having to self-isolate, we remain vigilant to this threat.”
The updates also say: “In recent weeks, we have seen an increase in the number of people affected on the project, but this number is lower than the peak seen earlier in the year. It is also the case that the majority of those affected are being asked to self-isolate rather than having tested positive for Covid-19.”
The update from Crossrail Ltd chief executive Mark Wild adds: “The situation is being closely and carefully monitored by the Gold Response Team structure and the teams continue to observe restrictions on-site to mitigate against the spread.”
The effects of self-isolation requirements already have impacted the project, for instance, earlier this year it revealed that a Covid-19 outbreak at Transport for London’s (TfL) Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy had hit Crossrail’s training program.
In accordance with the papers published before TfL’s board meeting in March the Covid-19 outbreak has risen the pressure on the training of operations and maintenance staff ahead of the opening of the Elizabeth line.
Also, trade union Unite defined the number of workers who wanted to stay at home as a concern due to the Tideway project’s damage by staff isolations.
As well as a rush of confirmed cases of Covid-19 on London’s super sewer scheme, more workers have been ordered to stay at home by contact tracers.
“Over the last couple of weeks we have had several cases of Covid-19, and a number of people needing to self-isolate due to contact tracing. We continue to urge our staff to keep themselves safe, which includes following the official advice on isolation,” a spokesperson for Tideway told NCE.
Moreover, the measures such as social distancing and mask-wearing have remained in Tideway work sites beyond 19 July as Tidway stated last month.
Increasing almost £233M in budget and nine months in the time period, were the damages of Covid-19 restrictions for the super sewer project as shareholders announced last summer.
