(Trinidad Guardian) Newsday staffers are mourning the death of their colleague, Jennifer Mahadeo, who succumbed to COVID-19, three days after her father also died from the virus.
But even as they mourned Mahadeo’s passing, some of her colleagues from the El Socorro office say are worried about their safety.
Mahadeo, 41, of Chaguanas, died on Thursday morning after complaining of breathing problems.
Her father Deonarine Mahadeo, 76, also died from COVID-19, last week Tuesday.
Speaking to Guardian Media, a Newsday staffer told Guardian Media that Mahadeo had reported for work last week Thursday, even though she had complained of feeling ill the day before.
“She was coughing and sneezing. She was in the supervisor’s office. She used the washroom. This building has about 20 people and we are now worried that many more people may have contracted the virus,” the worker said.
She added, “Since we heard of her father’s diagnosis, management has been very quiet about the whole thing. Up to now, they are remaining quiet. I am fearful for my health. I have been in contact with people who were in contact with her.”
She explained that it was only yesterday that staff members were informed that Mahadeo’s father had tested positive for COVID-19 and had died. Mahadeo was not seen in the office again.
On Thursday, her colleagues got the shocking news that she had passed.
Guardian Media spoke to a senior manager at Newsday who denied that Mahadeo had reported to work even though she was ill.
The manager said all workers entering the building are subjected to COVID-19 protocols such as temperature checks.
