Confirmed cases of Covid-19 at a meat processing plant in Cornwall
Public Health England and Cornwall Council are aware of a number of postive tests at the Kepak factory in Bodmin.
Last updated 19th Nov 2020
Cases of coronavirus have been identified at a meat processing factory in Bodmin.
Public Health England South West Cornwall Council have confirmed they are aware of a number of cases at the Kepak Factory.
They say anyone identified as a close contact linked to the positive cases will be contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service.
Authorities are advising that if you are contacted, you should only get tested if you go on to develop symptoms. Even if you test negative, you must still self-isolate for 14 days.
There will be additional testing taking place on site this week for employees only. These measures are preventative and will provide vital data to help stop the spread of the virus.
Public Health England and Cornwall Council say this approach has worked well in other similar outbreaks in food processing sites.
“We are working with the factory owners, Public Health England South West and our NHS partners to provide public health advice and help stop the spread of the virus. Employees who need to isolate have already been excluded from work and given support to isolate.
“We have been discussing their ongoing measures to ensure it is safe for staff to attend work as normal. However, if anyone does develop symptoms, which include a new continuous cough, high temperature or loss or change to their sense of taste or smell, they should self-isolate straight away."
Rachel Wigglesworth, Cornwall Council’s Director of Public Health
“Kepak is providing advice and support to any staff member who needs to self-isolate due to either a positive result or being a close contact of a confirmed case. We are working closely the Public Health case review team to ensure that all contacts are identified.
"The Group is working tirelessly to protect its staff as well as ensuring the continuity of secure food supply during this pandemic.
"All staff members returning to work are following the Company’s COVID-19 return to work guidelines”.
A spokesperson for Kepac Group