NHS Grampian investigating Covid outbreak at Portlethen business
78 cases have been detected after asymptomatic testing was offered to staff following a smaller number of cases.
NHS Grampian are investigating an outbreak at a Portlethen business, which could go towards explaining such a sharp rise in figures in Grampian today.
The health board says that after a small number of cases among staff, asymptomatic testing was offered to workers.
an NHS Grampian Spokesperson said:
"We are investigating 78 detected cases of COVID-19 associated with the Kepak McIntosh Donald plant in Portlethen. An Incident Management Team, with representation from the NHS, the plant, environmental health and Food Standards Scotland, has been set up.
"Following a small number of confirmed cases associated with the plant - and after discussions with management there - we offered asymptomatic testing to all employees on Monday. More than 200 staff took up the offer. These results are now being processed and account for much of the increase in our case numbers in Grampian. They are not the only reason behind today's increase in case numbers - we continue to see other clusters of cases and the virus continues to circulate in the community.
"We are working closely with Kepak McIntosh Donald and a number of other partners to ensure all the correct control measures are in place. There is no evidence at this time to suggest this cluster has spread beyond those working at the plant. Given the large number of people who were tested it is likely further cases could be confirmed in the coming day.
"As noted above, COVID-19 is circulating in the community. Everyone should remember the FACTS guidance and play their part in limiting it's spread as much as possible."