The Ministry of Health and Social Protection has published a guide containing guidelines for the reduction of the risk of exposure and transmission of COVID-19 in industrial activities within the mining and energy sector (the "Guide").
The Guide is presented in development of Article 3, paragraph 25 of Decree 457 of 2020, which provides for the continuance of the activities necessary to ensure the operation, maintenance, storage and supply of the services required for the generation and supply of energy in the country.
The purpose of this Guide is to direct the country's mining and energy sector companies in respect to the promotion and prevention measures needed to reduce and mitigate the exposure and contagion of the workers, that, for operational, technical and administrative reasons must continue to work to give continuity to the economy and the provision of these fundamental public services. Thus, the internal and external personnel of the companies and activities related to this sector must follow the general and specific provisions of the Guide.
It should be noted that these guidelines are extremely important and will be, as required, coordinated and/or clarified with the companies' health teams when questions, doubts or comments arises. Likewise, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection is available to clarify any doubts with local authorities to point out, modify or clarify the scope of the Guide and propose recommendations to make it applicable.