TAQA: 80 Brae field workers in isolation over possible Covid-19 exposure

Oil and gas firm TAQA has asked a total of 80 offshore workers to go into self-isolation as a precaution after being in contact with workers on Brae platforms who later tested positive for Covid-19.

TAQA told Offshore Energy via email that seven individuals working in the Brae field tested positive for Covid-19 after demobilising from two different platforms from 29 September to 6 October having developed minor symptoms.

The company stated that this included three individuals from Brae Alpha and four individuals from East Brae.

As a result, 18 individuals who were considered to have come into close contact with these individuals have since been notified and down manned from these platforms.

Also, a further 54 individuals who may have also come into contact with those infected from shared helicopter flights were contacted as part of TAQA’s response and advised to follow Scottish Government Test and Protect public health measures and quarantine at home for 14 days.

After the first seven, a further three individuals working in the Brae field have tested positive for Covid-19 after demobilizing from Brae Alpha on 13 and 14 October as part of a down man of the non-essential crew, bringing the total number to 10 individuals who have tested positive from the Brae field.

TAQA said that 26 individuals who may have also come into contact with those infected from shared helicopter flights are in the process of being contacted as part of TAQA’s response and will also quarantine at home for 14 days.

“Our main priority is to ensure the safety and welfare of everyone onboard our platforms. Therefore, TAQA has decided to temporarily down man non-essential crew working on Brae Alpha and East Brae for 7-10 days to further minimise the residual risk of Covid-19 transmittal. The exact numbers being down manned are currently being determined,” the company stated.

“We have clear procedures in place concerning hygiene and social distancing measures on board and for handling suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19.  We continue to work with the relevant authorities and agencies to assess and respond to any Covid-19 related situations in line with UK Government and Health Protection Scotland guidelines”.

It is worth reminding that RockRose announced in January it would be passing over operatorship of the Brae Area, located in the UK North Sea, to TAQA. The company officially assumed operatorship on 1 October.