COVID-19 Media Statement

This morning (12 March 2020) 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. Based on his condition, our medical team immediately assisted him to undergo the necessary testing procedures for COVID-19 in line with national guidelines, and recommended immediate self-quarantine.

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.

All Absa colleagues who have been in contact with the individual have been identified, and following consultation with our medical team, will also go into self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.  The suspected case was immediately reported to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). The steps taken above are also in line with the guidelines of the NICD.

We would like to emphasise that the measures taken are purely precautionary by way of being proactive given the risks involved. We expect the results to be available within 24 to 48 hours, and will provide an update. These precautionary measures are taken to protect the health of colleagues, their families and the community.