Concerns raised over third covid outbreak at Perthshire 2 Sisters plant
NHS Tayside's confirmed 25 cases are being linked to the plant.
Concerns are being raised about a third coronavirus outbreak at the 2 Sisters factory in Coupar Angus.
NHS Tayside's confirmed 25 cases are being linked to the plant.
The latest cluster was first detected at this start of this month.
Health officials say they're satisfied it can remain open.
But professor Andrew Watterson who's an expert in the field says it questions whether safety protocols are working.
"The one conclusion you can draw is that covid secure workplace polices are either not being implemented or they're not fit for purpose," he said.
"I think I'm moving towards the fact that they're not for purpose.
"For this to be the third cluster I think indicates there is something seriously wrong somewhere, either in terms of what's going on within the plant or how public health are investigating."
Last August the Perthshire chicken factory was at the centre of one of Scotland's biggest meat related outbreaks, when nearly 200 cases of coronavirus were detected.
The army's been drafted in to support a mass testing programme, specifically to resolve a technical issue with data flow.
Dr Emma Fletcher, chair of the multiagency Incident Management Team (IMT) said, “An IMT was called in response to a small but sustained increase in the number of cases of COVID-19 associated with the 2 Sisters factory.
“The IMT is working closely with 2 Sisters to put in place preventative measures to limit further transmission of the virus amongst factory workers. This includes supporting them to review existing infection prevention processes and procedures in place.
“The factory is working closely with NHS Tayside’s Public Health team and Food Standards Scotland to ensure all arrangements for contact tracing and self-isolation are in place. Staff who are self-isolating are being given appropriate advice and additional support from their relevant Local Authority if needed.
“The IMT is reassured that the factory can remain open at this time.”
We've approached the 2 Sisters Food Group for comment.