- Lithium Americas (TSX:LAC) has reported that workers at its Caucharí-Olarox lithium project have tested positive for COVID-19
- Two asymptomatic workers tested positive for the virus on July 3 and have since entered quarantine
- As such, Lithium Americas has temporarily suspended construction at the site in Jujuy, Argentina
- The company is conducting additional testing of workers, and disinfecting the site, per the COVID-19 protocols
- Lithium Americas (LAC) is up 16.07 per cent and is currently trading at C$7.80 per share
Lithium Americas (TSX:LAC) has reported that workers at its Caucharí-Olarox lithium project have tested positive for COVID-19.
On the afternoon of July 3, 2020, two workers tested positive for the virus. Both workers are currently asymptomatic, in good health, and have been provided with safe and preventative quarantine.
In response to the results, Lithium Americas has temporarily suspended all construction activities at its lithium project in Jujuy, Argentina. This temporary suspension also applies to all non-essential activities at the site.
Per its COVID-19 Health and Safety protocol, the company is quarantining and conducting additional testing of first and second-contact workers on site. Lithium America is using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for this process.
The company has also implemented disinfection activities at the site, to maintain the health and safety of its workforce.
Lithium Americas’ Caucharí-Olarox lithium project is continuing to engage with the Jujuy Province it is located within.
The company intends to continue working with the local communities and its stakeholders, in order to protect everyone involved. In particular, Lithium Americas hopes to maintain the health and safety of communities situated nearby the project.
The company will closely monitor the situation while additional PCR test results from the site are processed and received.
As of July 5, 2020, Argentina has recorded over 77,00 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and a little over 1,500 deaths. The biggest concentration of the virus within the country is in its capital, Buenos Aires City, with 41,405 confirmed cases and 717 deaths.
The Jujuy province, where Lithium Americas’ project is located, has thus far reported over 230 confirmed cases, and six deaths.
Despite the bad news, Lithium Americas (LAC) is up 16.07 per cent and is trading at $7.80 per share at 11:46am EDT.
