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NHS chiefs launched an investigation after nearly 80 positive cases of coronavirus were found in a Scottish meat plant.
Macintosh Donald, based in Porthlethen, Aberdeenshire, has reported that 79 workers have been affected by the life-threatening bug.
An Incident Management Team of Factory Managers, NHS Heads and Scottish Environmental Health and Food Standards staff has been established.
Scotland’s meat processing plants have been hit by coronavirus outbreaks in recent months.
(Image: Google Maps)
NHS Grampian had offered tests to all employees and about 200 accepted the offer.
A spokeswoman for the health board said: “We are investigating 78 detected cases of COVID-19 associated with the Kepak McIntosh Donald plant in Portlethen.
“An Incident Management Team has been established, with representation from Scotland’s NHS, plant, environmental health and food standards.
“After a small number of confirmed cases associated with the plant, and after discussing with management there, we offered asymptomatic testing to all employees on Monday.
“More than 200 employees accepted the offer. These results are now being processed and explain much of the increase in our number of cases at Grampian.
“They are not the only reason behind the current increase in the number of cases: 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 several other partners to ensure that all the correct control measures are in place.
“There is no evidence at this time to suggest that this group has extended beyond those who work at the plant.
“Given the large number of people who have been tested, it is likely that more cases will be confirmed in the coming days.
“As noted above, COVID-19 is circulating in the community. Everyone should remember the FACTS guide and play their part in limiting its spread as much as possible.”
A spokesperson for the plant told P&J: “Kepak continues to work diligently to prioritize the safety and well-being of staff and vendors during the current pandemic by implementing a wide range of Covid-19 protection measures and protocols in each. from our sites across the UK and Ireland.
“These strict protocols are constantly reviewed and updated to ensure compatibility and compliance with the latest measures implemented by the UK and Irish governments, while our local teams remain fully committed to the relevant health authorities.
“As the Covid-19 situation continues to evolve and we learn more about the virus, we have updated our procedures and transferred the knowledge gained throughout the business.
“We have supported our employees with regular updates, training and guidance, and activated screening solutions to ensure our equipment is safe on the job at all times.” Meat processing is designated as an essential service by the UK and Irish governments to provide continuity of food supply during this pandemic.
“The continuity of operations in our plants is only possible thanks to the commitment and efforts of our staff, our suppliers, carriers and service providers.”
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