106 workers at a meat processing facility in Cornwall have tested positive for Covid-19.
According to Cornwall Council, around 80-85% of those who tested positive for the virus were asymptomatic.
271 staff members were tested in the last week after an initial outbreak of a “small” number of cases.
Rachel Wigglesworth, the council’s director of public health, said the situation would be monitored closely.
She said:
Outbreaks such as this are always tough for everyone involved, but we have worked with Kepak and our health service partners in taking quick and robust action to help stop the virus spreading.
The council said testing was continuing at the site and anyone identified as a close contact linked to the positive cases would be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
Those who tested positive for the virus are self-isolating at home.
A spokesperson for the Kepak Group said:
“The group is working tirelessly to protect its staff as well as ensuring the continuity of secure food supply during this pandemic.”
£8.2 million Covid-19 investment
In other Covid-19 related news, pork giant Cranswick spent more than £8 million implementing Covid-19 measures and had to stockpile key ingredients out of fear of supply-chain issues, the firm’s interim results have revealed.
The £8.2 million spend included a £500 bonus paid to all on-site staff in June to recognise their essential key worker status and valued contribution throughout the pandemic.
Also Read: Cranswick reveals £8.2 million spend on Covid-19 measuresThe report titled “strong performance in a challenging environment” covers the 26 weeks up until September 26, and saw the firm post a 21% increase in sales (up from £770 million in 2019 to £931.6 million this year).
Margins also increased slightly as did the group’s adjusted profits before tax, which rose from £46.4 million last year to £60.7 million in 2020.
