Hactl returns to operations after quarantine slowdown
Hong Kong cargo handler Hactl returns to normal operations after the staff was quarantined. On October 7, a single case of Covid-19 in the company’s ramp handling team led to the quarantining of his close work contacts by Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection. All quarantined staff subsequently tested negative, have now been released from the quarantine center.
The manpower shortage during this time affected around 20 percent of flights but – despite the additional impact on all airport operations of two typhoons on October 9 and 13 – the situation was progressively brought under control through increased overtime, re-scheduling of some flights, re-deployment of other ramp-trained Hactl staff and subcontracting of some duties to other operators.
Less than 5 percent of Hactl’s workforce were affected, and over 80 percent of flights were handled within normal timeframes. Hactl’s terminal operations were not affected. There is no truth in some reports of two-three-day delays.
Staff safety and business continuity remain Hactl’s top priorities, and the company has accordingly introduced a number of additional measures to further increase its resilience to COVID-19:
installation of 120 sanitization devices with more on order
provision of two robots for disinfection of common areas
display of posters and signage throughout staff facilities and common areas of SuperTerminal 1 to remind staff and terminal users to maintain anti-COVID precautions
deployment of additional cleaning staff
more frequent cleansing and sanitisation of staff restrooms and common areas
provision of additional PPE to staff members handling inbound cargoes from high-risk areas
Current Issue - October 2021
