Construction has been halted at the National Bio and Agro Defense Facility after a construction worker tested positive recently for COVID-19.
It is not known at this time how the worker contracted the virus nor how many people at the site may have potentially been exposed.
According to NBAF Program Manager Tim Barr, the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate received notification Tuesday from its contractor, McCarthy Mortenson Joint Venture (McMjv), who in turn ceased operations for the rest of the day. The company says it’s investigating and assessing areas that may need additional cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces. This includes shared tools, machines, handrails, ladders, doorknobs, portable toilets, vehicles and other equipment.
McMjv has not provided a timetable for when the site will reopen to continue construction. NBAF says an extended shutdown is not anticipated.
Last month, NBAF officials announced that the construction timeline was being delayed about 2 and a half months due to travel restrictions and material availability.
