The outbreak of highly dangerous Ebola virus in West African countries has gain much international attention, and it is now directly impacting the tire industry.
The area of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone is the focal point of the disease, for which there is currently no vaccine, no specific treatment and a fatality rate of around 60%, according to reports. Already, more than 700 have died as a result of the virus.
Liberia, home to the massive Firestone Natural Rubber Co. rubber plantation, has closed its borders and yesterday Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf ordered schools closed and all civil servants to stay at home.
“My fellow Liberians, Ebola is real, Ebola is contagious and Ebola kills,” she said in a statement. “Denying that the disease exists is not doing your part, so keep yourselves and your loved ones safe.”
At the plantation, Bridgestone Americas said there are some 20 Americans working at the facility side-by-side with thousands of workers. Thus far, there have been no reports of Ebola at the facility, a situation that the tiremaker claims is being constantly monitored.
At present, the company is no evacuating any personnel, but noted that the situation is fluid and plans will change as required.
The company issued the following statement over the weekend:
“Since the outbreak of the Ebola virus earlier this year, Firestone Natural Rubber Co. in Liberia has been working closely with the government of Liberia, the World Health Organization (WHO), Doctors Without Borders, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and many other organizations to help manage the situation at our facility and ensure that the steps we are taking follow established safety protocols.
“The safety and well-being of our employees, their families and the surrounding community remains our highest priority. We have taken a number of steps to ensure the Firestone Liberia community – up to 80,000 people – is well-informed including actively reaching out to employees and members of the community to educate them on the Ebola virus, how it is transmitted, steps for prevention, and how to recognize its signs and symptoms.
“We also have enlisted local clergy and community leaders to provide facts and guidance that help combat the myths that might prevent people from responding properly should they or someone they know be exposed. Additionally, a containment unit outside the main hospital facility at Firestone Liberia has been created to house and care for known, suspected and possible Ebola cases.
“We will continue to work closely with the WHO, MOH and others to ensure that we are taking all steps necessary to halt the spread of this disease.”
