Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) Pandemic Updates:

Last updated on September 7, 2021

At New Gold, the safety, health and wellbeing of our employees and host communities has always been the highest priority. 

As we monitor the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts, our corporate office and site-based operations continue to evolve and implement response plans consistent with New Gold's health and safety standards and current provincial health guidelines.

Protecting the health and safety of New Gold's workforce and the communities in which we operate takes precedence above all else. The steps we have taken are consistent with the direction from provincial health authorities.

We all can help reduce the spread and impacts of COVID-19. We encourage everyone to abide by the Health Canada's basic protective measures against the virus, outlined here.

We ask that all employees, contractors, and visitors who are sick or who are experiencing symptoms to stay home and follow all public health guidance. 

We will continue to update our information based on the latest data available. 

Our mine sites have implemented a number of preventative measures. Additional details can be accessed via the following links:

Please email info@newgold.com with any questions. 

Symptoms and Prevention of COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

The Covid-19 (also known as the 2019 Novel Coronovirus) is a new respiratory virus. In confirmed cases of illness in humans, common symptoms have been acute, serious respiratory illness with fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms. You may not know you have symptoms of COVID-19 because they are similar to a cold or flu. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is the longest known infectious period for this disease. We are currently investigating if the virus can be transmitted to others if someone is not showing symptoms. While experts believe that it is possible, it is considered to be rare. Symptoms have included:

  • new or worsening cough 
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • temperature equal or over 38°C
  • feeling feverish
  • chills
  • fatigue or weakness
  • muscle or body aches
  • new loss of smell or taste
  • headache
  • gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting)
  • feeling very unwell

Preventing Coronavirus

Safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines will be available to everyone who lives in Canada over the course of 2021. Until extensive immunization is achieved, national and local public health measures will continue to be essential to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in Canada.

For more information, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/vaccines.html

Hygiene

Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:

  • wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food
    • use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
  • when coughing or sneezing:
    • cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
    • dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Clean high-touch surfaces frequently with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water

How Coronavirus Spreads

Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. They are most commonly spread from an infected person through:

  • respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze
  • close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands

Current evidence suggests person-to-person spread is efficient when there is close contact.

Risks of Getting Coronavirus

Canadians are advised to avoid all non-essential travel

There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for individuals:

  • aged 65 and over
  • with compromised immune systems
  • with underlying medical conditions
  • If you have even mild symptoms, stay home and call the public health authority in the province or territory you are in to inform them. They will provide advice on what you should do.

    If you have COVID-19, reduce contact with other

    If you are sick, reduce contact with others by:

    • staying at home and self isolating (unless directed to seek medical care)
      • if you must leave your home, wear a mask or cover your mouth and nose with tissues, and maintain a 2-metre distance from others
    • avoiding individuals in hospitals and long-term care centres, especially older adults and those with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
    • avoiding having visitors to your home
    • covering your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing and sneezing
    • having supplies delivered to your home instead of running errands
      • supplies should be dropped off outside to ensure a 2-metre separation

    How to Stay Updated on the Covid-19 Outbreak

    Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

    BC Centre for Disease Control: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)

    Ontario Centre for Disease Control: https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-diseases/novel-coronavirus

    We will continue to update our information based on the latest data available.

    Please email us here if you have any questions: info@newgold.com

    We all can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. We encourage everyone to abide by the Health Canada basic protective measures against the virus, via this link