“There wasn’t any protocols or procedures in place for the staff well-being and protection.”
That is from a spokesperson of Kalang Advertising who wished to remain anonymous in an interview with this newsroom.
“There are no policies regarding COVID-19 for the staff and for our families at home as well.”
“As a result of no proper protocol or procedure in place, a big number of us tested positive for COVID-19.”
20 staff tested positive for COVID-19 and 18 of the staff are currently in isolation at the Nightingale Isolation Centre with 2 in self isolation.
“As media personnel, we are also front liners and we feel like this is a breach of the Pandemic Laws.”
The staff members in isolation have signed a petition to be taken up the management, the PNG Media Council, the KTHL board and the Pandemic controller, Mr. David Manning to address issues such as staff health cover and workplace safety protocols.
“We want this addressed because we don’t want any other media company, any other company in the public and private sector to go through what we are going through.”
The Spoke person further added that as per the doctors from the isolation center, once they are discharged, they must isolate for at least a week before returning to work.
However, staff claim to have been told by the Kalang Advertising management that they will resume as soon as they are discharged.
The spokesperson further added that they were unable to confirm what the procedure is in place for the staff that are still working.
Almost half the staff tested positive however the office building is still open and operating as normal.
The spokesperson made an appeal to the general public to take this pandemic seriously and follow the COVID-19 protocols.
“This way you look after yourself and your families.”
Meanwhile, the Kumul Telikom Holdings Board has met on this matter and Board Chairman Mr Johnson Pundari confirmed today that a response to the Letter and Petition is expected to be made by this afternoon or tomorrow at the latest.