Covid-19 outbreak at oil firm sees 18 infected by virus

A CORONAVIRUS outbreak at an office block has seen 18 people become infected.

Over the last two weeks, Covid-19 has spread through The Oil Centre on Bury New Road, Heywood, used by Crown Oil Limited employees and other businesses.

Cases jumped from five to 10 in two days from September 16 to September 18, Crown Oil bosses confirmed.

The number of positive cases now stands at 18. Of those, 17 are Crown Oil workers. One is employed by another business.

A spokesperson for Crown Oil Limited said: “Across the four sites that make up the Bury operations of Crown Oil Limited, there have been some Covid-19 cases over the last two weeks, predominantly on one floor of one site, with one site having no cases and two others a single case.

“We have reduced the number of staff working on one site to reduce further the risk of transmission.

“The total number of cases within that building who are employed by Crown Oil Limited is currently 17 - those employed by other businesses currently amounts to one.

“Over a two-day period the numbers increased from five to 10. However, in the last four days we are not aware of any new cases and are hopeful that the spread of the virus from this incident has been contained.”

Crown Oil Limited says Covid-secure processes have been implemented at the Bury New Road sites to ensure the safety of staff - including the cleaning of desks, one-way systems and screens around desks.

The company says it was the subject of an unannounced visit from the Health and Safety Executive earlier this month, which confirmed measures were Covidcompliant.

The spokesperson added: “In line with government guidelines, screens have been fitted to desks prior to any infections which negates the requirement for the two-metre zone and we understood to be a more effective way to protect staff.

“We employ a one way system, sanitising facilities and full signage reminding staff of their obligations to themselves and others.

“Contact with staff from different floors and buildings is kept to a minimum, we have reduced the number of staff in the office and require those staff to wear face masks when moving around the office.

“In addition, cleaners are onsite each morning prior to staff entering the buildings, staff also clean their workstations every day and we have a rota to ensure all communal surfaces are cleaned throughout the day.

“Employees are provided with a copy of our risk assessment advising of all the measures and requirements we have put in place to ensure the workplace is Covid-secure - these risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated in line with government advice.

“With regard to isolation and testing, we have always followed government guidance which clearly states that if you are not displaying any of the symptoms you are not required to either isolate or take a test.

“We have and will continue to advise staff in line with the guidelines. There is often an element of panic in circumstances such as this.

“As a responsible employer and again following government guidelines we have advised staff only to take a test if they are showing one of the recognised symptoms.

“It is clear from the reports over the last few weeks that the testing system is being overwhelmed by individuals who do not have symptoms and we did not wish to add further strain to a limited resource by encouraging individuals to undertake tests outside of the guidelines.

“To be clear, at no time has any manger been instructed by the company to advise anyone either not to isolate or not to take a test if they are displaying any one of the published symptoms.

“Having consulted with the HR department, no employee has made such an allegation and we would encourage anyone who believes that to be the case to come forward so that we may carry out a full investigation.”

Rochdale council has shown support for the company, saying: “We are looking into reports of positive cases at Crown Oil in Heywood.

“Our public health and public protection teams have met with Public Health England and the Health and Safety Executive to investigate this.

“We are very pleased with how engaged the company is in this process and how proactive they have been in seeking out support.”