63 farm workers who shared flight with staff at centre of covid outbreak are in Scotland

Herefordshire Council and Public Health England Midlands has alerted health partners in Scotland after the total number of positive tests at AS Green and Co rose to 93

Herefordshire farm
Author: Callum ClarkPublished 15th Jul 2020
Last updated 15th Jul 2020

More than 60 agricultural workers who were on board the same flight as staff at the centre of a coronavirus outbreak at a farm down south have travelled to Scotland.

Herefordshire Council and Public Health England Midlands have identified 63 people who were bound for Scottish farms.

Last weekend up to 200 workers were told to self-isolate at AS Green and Co after dozens tested positive for covid-19.

76 workers on the flight who travelled onwards to other farms in England have already been offered testing and no further cases have been identified to date

The total number of positive cases linked to the outbreak is now 93.

Public health partners in Scotland have been told of the latest findings.

Karen Wright, Director of Public Health for Herefordshire, said: “We continue to test workers at the farm and expect to see the number of cases rise over the coming days before social distancing and infection prevention measures start to take effect.

"Workers have been asked to remain on site and self-isolate to reduce risk of spread within the workforce and into the wider community.

"We’re aware that local residents are concerned, but the risk to the general public remains low. We are arranging food and essential supplies to the farm and its workers during the period of isolation.

"Another reminder to continue to wash your hands regularly, keep your distance, and use face coverings to help protect yourself and others.

"If you develop a fever, persistent dry cough, or have a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell, please call 119 to arrange a test.”

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