Nalcor says the Russian contractor who tested positive for COVID-19 was not in close contact with others at the Soldiers Pond station and has been self-isolating in St. John’s when he was not working.

The PC Opposition sees it as yet another example of why “point-of-entry” testing should be implemented.

CEO Stan Marshall says the company arranges for accommodations for such workers so that they can self-isolate while in the province.

The man, who received “essential worker” status, worked November 10 and 12 and followed all safety protocols—according to the company. Marshall says the risk to others is low but there were three others in the building during the time the infected contractor was there.

The other three workers who were there have tested negative and will remain in isolation until they can be re-tested.

Meanwhile, PC Health Critic David Brazil says had the man been tested upon arrival, the case would have been caught sooner, thereby reducing the risk to others.

He says the province has the capability and the labs ready to handle it—yet it declines to implement the additional stage of prevention.