Dominica’s Astaphans announces new COVID-19 guidelines for staff

Dominica: After the Government of Dominica, Astaphans – a famous supermarket and departmental store located in Roseau Central- announced the new COVID-19 protocols and guidelines for its staff members.

The revised guidelines and protocols were announced by the departmental store on April 4, 2022 (Monday).

While informing about the mandatory testing protocols, the store stated, “Mandatory Testing Unvaccinated staff are required to submit a COVID-19 negative test result once every two (2) weeks effective April 4, 2022 (Monday).”

“Be advised that the testing time will be on the employee’s own time, i.e. no paid time off. Testing costs will be covered by staff. We remind you that the test result must be submitted prior to an employee returning to work.”

The departmental store further explained, “Members who have received both doses of vaccine (14 days after 2nd dose) are to get tested once a month until further advised by management of any changes to the testing schedules.

Staff members who will not work accordingly with the mandatory testing schedules will not be allowed to report to work until such time that they submit a negative antigen/PC test.”

“We remind you that should this test not be done within three (3) days of the company’s request, and the company will conclude that you have voluntarily terminated your employment.

The staff has to await the results of their COVID test and submit a negative antigen/PC test prior to reporting/returning to work. You are not to report to work if you do not have your test results back,” it further informed.

“Test results are to be sent via WhatsApp to HR and your respective supervisors/managers. We encourage all to know your status and practice all the health protocols. Anyone found in breach of the above or any other company policies will face disciplinary actions,” the last revised guideline read.