Gem Diamonds : Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Friday, 10 July 2020

Gem Diamonds remains wholly committed to protecting all of its employees and contractors from the Covid-19 pandemic, and to supporting Lesotho at a local and national level. The company's extensive Covid-19 management protocols are a result of the ongoing active collaboration with medical experts and draw upon the international science surrounding how best to ensure the safety of the workforce.

The Company's screening strategy has now successfully detected a total of five cases, which have subsequently been confirmed as Covid-19 by the Ministry of Health. Those affected showed mild or no symptoms and, after receiving treatment and counselling, went into self-isolation. The response to the suspected positive cases, which saw Gem Diamonds working closely with the health authorities, ran smoothy and involved facilitating transport off site in the shortest possible timeframe.

With operations at Letšeng continuing, all of the day to day protocols (including, social distancing, wearing masks and sanitisation) continue to be strictly enforced. To further minimise the risk of the virus entering the site, remote testing three days prior to people arriving at Letšeng will also be introduced.

The Company will continue to provide updates as appropriate.