Two workers in Ervia, based in the city centre, have tested positive for the coronavirus, the Cork Independent can reveal.

Ervia, the parent company for Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) and Irish Water, has been advised by two individuals that they have tested positive for the Covid-19. Both recently returned home from an affected area in Europe.

Ervia had protocols already established and these individuals self-isolated before being diagnosed and did not return to work following their trip abroad.

Staff in Ervia have been notified of these developments.

The Crisis Management Team in Ervia has been meeting over the past number of weeks to co-ordinate the response across both businesses to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and maintenance of services.

GNI and Irish Water have set up their own separate crisis management teams in parallel to prepare for and to deal with any issues arising from a Covid-19 outbreak.

An Ervia spokesman said: “In addition to the Ervia group wide aims, Irish Water’s aim is to secure the supply of water and wastewater services on the public network and GNI’s crisis management team is focused on the continuity of the gas network operation and supply of gas to homes and businesses.

“Both Irish Water and GNI are following HSE and Department of Health guidance for the existing situation and we are continually monitoring developments. They are also following advice and updates from the European Centre on Disease Control and the World Health Organisation."

Both Irish Water and GNI have cancelled all non-critical travel inside and outside Ireland and non-critical meetings will be held over video chat or the telephone.

Business continuity teams in GNI and Irish Water are convening regularly and refreshing and adapting contingency plans.

