Remote Monitored Systems plc (LON:RMS) said that two of the engineers from the Lemu Group, which is currently working on commissioning the company's new mask manufacturing machine, have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) and are now self-isolating for 10 days.
The company said the engineers received the positive test results on Saturday morning, adding that three team members at its subsidiary Pharm 2 Farm (P2F) have been recorded as close contacts of the Lemu engineers in accordance with Public Health England (PHE) guidelines and will also need to self-isolate for 10 days.
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Remote Monitored Systems said all the other staff at P2F have undertaken swab tests, all of which are coming back negative, and as such they can continue working once the unit has been deep cleaned. However, the firm said without the Lemu engineers to assist in the completion of the commissioning of the machine, this will now be delayed until after their 10-day quarantine period has ended.
"It is frustratingly ironic to be so close to the production of an anti-viral mask and to be delayed due to these two positive cases”, Remote Monitored Systems chairman Antony Legge said in a statement.
“The lack of symptoms with the two engineers who tested positive shows the importance of following PHE guidelines and serves to further illustrate the market opportunity for our anti-viral masks. Our focus on the health and safety of employees and all visitors to our sites remains our priority and continues to be delivered through well-considered measures", he added.
The company’s shares were 11.8% lower at 2.2p in early deals on Monday.