All wind farm and cable workers will now be tested for Covid

ALL workers travelling to Shetland for the Viking Energy wind farm and transmission link projects will now be tested for coronavirus, its developers have announced.

It is a more robust commitment than what was already in place.

Wind farm developer SSE Renewables previously confirmed to Shetland News that workers who were returning to the isles after Christmas would be tested.

Testing was not in place for BAM Nuttall staff working on the associated subsea cable project.

But a spokesperson speaking on behalf of SSE Renewables/Viking Energy Wind Farm and transmission link developer SSE Transmission confirmed today (Friday) that all workers travelling to Shetland would now be tested.

It comes after some criticism in the community that workers were not being tested before travelling to Shetland.

“We have agreed to introduce a coronavirus testing regime for all workers travelling to Shetland moving forward,” the spokesperson said.

“Both projects have also taken the decision to significantly restrict all travel to Shetland to just those essential workers directly involved in the construction works and we have also reviewed all other risk mitigation procedures.

“This includes enhanced social distancing, increased wearing of face coverings and even more frequent cleaning of communal areas on site.

“Temperature testing has been introduced for all workers each time they arrive on site and we are also exploring ways of reducing the already limited interaction of workers with the local community to further mitigate the risk of transmission in the community.

“As the coronavirus pandemic continues to evolve, we continue to keep this under constant review, in line with any changes to government guidance and the wider impact and prevalence of the virus across society.”

Shetland is currently under level three coronavirus restrictions, while mainland Scotland is under more stringent rules.