Press Releases

CKP implements intensive measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 Virus for Power Plants in both Thailand and Lao PDR

Generate Power Supply for the Upcoming Summer as usual

Mr Thanawat Trivisvavet, Managing Director of CK Power Public Company Limited (CKPower), or "CKP" in SET, revealed that due to the pandemic of the corona virus infection (COVID-19) that has spread around the world with the ongoing increase of infection in Thailand, CKPower reaffirms that power plants under the responsibility of the Company, both in Lao PDR and in Thailand, namely the Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant, Nam Ngum 2 Hydroelectric Power Plant, Bangpa-in Cogeneration Power Plant 1 (BIC-1) and Plant 2 (BIC-2) and Bangkhenchai Solar Power Plant, will continue to generate electricity for the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Electricite du Lao (EdL) at full capacity without any impact from the current situation.

However, in order to intercept and prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as for the safety of employees at head office and power plant area, both in Thailand and Lao PDR, the Company has issued guidelines in accordance with the announcement of the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand and the Lao PDR consisting of the measures to be implemented in the power plant area as well as those for the safety of the employees as stated below.

The measures in the power plant area are not limited to the following; defining the power plant areas of the Company as the restricted area with strictly limited access. Whilst working, if any employee has a body temperature exceeding 37.5 degrees Celsius, fever, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, shortness of breath, or a cold, he/she must visit a doctor immediately. Restricted entry-exit of third parties, only in case of an emergency and when it is necessary, the power plant manager has to consider on a case by case basis. Once approved, a physical examination of the visitor by the power plant doctor must be first conducted. And lastly, all employees must strictly refrain from assembling for any type of activity within the power plant.

The measures for employees including contract employees and regular contractors who work in the Company’s area as well as all employees in subsidiary companies are listed as follows.

1. No traveling abroad allowed for either business or personal purposes, and previously approved leave for travel shall be cancelled.
2. In case of employees having obtained special case approval to travel abroad, or in case of any close contact of employees especially family members (living together) who travels back from abroad, employees must report to the supervisor and the Human Resources Department immediately and start to work from home (WFH) for 14 days. In this regard, health reports must be submitted to the supervisor and the Human Resources Department on daily basis for 14 straight days since the day such employees start WFH. Medical certificate shall also be provided to the Company at least 1 day prior to returning to work.
3. In the event that any employee has been in close contact with those infected with COVID-19 and those at risk, such as people who recently returned from abroad, those with travel history or in the area of ​​epidemic, he/she must notify the supervisor and the Human Resources Department immediately and start to work from home (WFH). Health reports must also be submitted to the supervisor and the Human Resources Department for 14 straight days from the date of notification to work from home.
4. In the event that any employee has any respiratory illnesses such as fever, cough or cold, he/she must notify the supervisor and stay at home or see a doctor immediately. And if any employee who is in the high risk group or the doctor considers he/she needs to be tested for the COVID-19 virus, notify the supervisor and the Human Resources Department immediately.
5. Pregnant staff and those with congenital disease and at risk of serious illness if they get infected must start to work from home.
6. For those who have been screened and endorsed by the hospital to undergo a COVID-19 test or been informed of COVID-19 infection and require treatment, the Company would provide reimbursement in the full amount as a special case (In addition to the budget for normal medical welfare benefits which still can be reimbursed as the Company’s policy).
7. Employees must disclose all information regarding previous travel records, contacts, or close contacts with COVID-19 patients and keep the Company informed.
8. All employees need to refrain from organizing and participating in sports and social gathering activities.
9. Contract employees and regular contractors who work in the Company’s and subsidiary companies’ area must strictly comply with the above-mentioned measures in the same manner as the Company’s normal employees.

Mr Thanawat said that at this time, the Company has begun to allow 70% of our employees to work from home while another 30% will take turn to work from home as the Company aims to reduce the infection risk to employees and their families according to the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) so as not to affect the electricity generation of all power plants. Apart from this, all employees will have their body temperature checked upon entering the building and must wear a protective mask at all time while working.

" The Company reaffirms that all power plants under CKPower group will continue to generate electricity for the people in Thailand and Lao PDR during this summer season when demand is high. In this regard, CKPower would like to convey our highest regard and appreciation to all Thai and Lao public health officers, doctors and nurses who are working hard during this difficult period to stop the spreading of COVID-19 and the Company is ready to fully cooperate with the government in order to overcome this crisis together. " Mr. Thanawat added.

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