In order to protect the health of those affected, employees and communities, works will be temporarily halted
*news published on March 19
The Renova Foundation informs that, following the warnings of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, and given the increase in confirmed coronavirus cases in Brazil, it decided to adopt new preventive and safety measures. Activities related to the works will be temporarily halted – from March 23 to April 3 – including the resettlement works.
The main objective is to protect the health of those affected, employees and partners and to prevent the spread of the virus in the territories where the Foundation operates. The measure also helps to reduce the pressure on the Unified Health System (SUS).
The Renova Foundation understands that, in view of the worsening scenario, such measures are necessary even if they affect the progress of planned actions. The decision was taken mainly to protect the elderly population in the communities (most vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus), who participate in the activities.
All offices, construction sites and units of the Foundation and its contractors are receiving guidance on hygiene care and other actions that help control the spread of the virus, according to WHO protocols.
The number of active staff in the works will be reduced to the minimum necessary for essential and emergency assistance. During this period, contracts with third parties and jobs will be maintained.
The activities at the offices of the Mediated Indemnity Program (PIM) have been suspended. The appointments that would be carried out this week will be rescheduled. The Information and Service Centers (ISCs) have also changed their operation. A reduced team will continue with the delivery of 2019 Income Reports, but only on demand to those who request it. The 0800 031 2303 line remains active.
Water supply activities (tank truck and water gallons), the pumping of water in Linhares (ES), landfill maintenance in Mariana (MG) and maintenance of the resettlement construction sites will not be suspended.
See below the new measures adopted for Renova’s fronts of action:
Cofferdams of the Pequeno River (Linhares – ES)
An emergency response team will be kept in place at the cofferdams of the Pequeno River in Linhares. It will only act if triggered, if the river level increases.
Resettlements
Emergency response teams will be kept in place. In Bento Rodrigues, a team of 50 professionals will be available. In Paracatu de Baixo, 41 workers will be available to assist. To assist in cases of family resettlements and housing, 15 professionals will be available.
Highways and roads
In the case of highways and roads, the most urgent and critical works will continue.
Field activities
Field activities such as Sustainable Land Use (SLU) and others, because they are carried out in the open, are being reassessed and the necessary decisions will be made and communicated shortly.
The Renova Foundation will continue to monitor the spread of the coronavirus throughout the territory and adopt preventive and safety actions by region in accordance with regional, national and international protocols, whenever necessary.