
The Silver City Daily Press is reporting company officials learned Friday of additional cases of Chino Mine employees testing positive for COVID-19.
Communications Vice-President Linda Hayes said that while the cases were not widespread within the operation and were limited in number, they are asking Chino Mine employees not to report to work until further notice out of an abundance of caution and concern.
She said the cases they have been notified of appear to be connected.
Hayes said the temporary shutdown is aimed at ensuring there is no further spread of coronavirus through the operation, and allows time for further, thorough contact tracing and sanitizing of any potentially affected areas.
She said the leadership team and medical advisors are conducting a thorough assessment of site-specific and community conditions, and that employees will receive paid leave for any missed scheduled shifts during the assessment period.