Mumbai: At least six employees of Times Network test positive for coronavirus

In Mumbai, at least six employees of Times Network have tested positive for coronavirus. Sources told Newslaundry that the employees comprise one PCR van operator who works with Mirror Now, two pantry employees, and three from other departments.

Newslaundry confirmed these developments multiple independent sources.

The employees had been staying at Hotel Taj Santacruz in Mumbai for the last few days. This was part of protective measures for social distancing instituted by the network to protect families of employees, who were out and about for news assignments, from being infected.

Three days ago, Newslaundry was told, the PCR van operator tested positive for coronavirus. The five others tested positive soon after.

Times Network has its office in Kamala Mills in Lower Parel, which houses Mirror Now, ET Now and Times Now. The office has been sealed.

Times Network Statement

Committed to playing an active role in offering the highest quality news flow to our viewers during these unprecedented times, some of our frontline News people have been braving the risks of the external world as they report on the adversity. To minimise external contact our News HQ and Tech teams were accommodated in captive locations within our premises and other boarding locations in the city with dedicated sanitised transportation to ensure they did not have to travel from home daily and risk their families and colleagues. Despite practicing all safety measures and precautions while fulfilling their duties, 4 of our colleagues at Mirror Now and 2 support staff members have tested positive today. Following BMC guidance, they have been shifted to the mandatory quarantine facility at a private hospital and are doing fine. The rest of our team members have all tested negative and continue to be lodged with us safely. As per standard protocol, BMC has conducted anti-virus sanitisation at our Lower Parel premises today and it will be ready for resuming operations by mid next week. To ensure non-stop news to our viewers, the operations of Mirror Now and ET Now have been shifted to an alternate location in Mumbai, which was kept ready for an emergency scenario. This is being managed by a fresh standby team. As we navigate through this unprecedented challenge, we are humbled by the dedication and exemplary courage of our team members doing critical operations that can’t be done within WFH protocol. We stand by our commitment to ensure employee safety and well-being, as we continue to offer seamless broadcast service to our viewers.