Testing unit set up after cases rise at food factory
A MOBILE coronavirus testing station has been set up at the Peter’s Pies factory in Caerphilly after more staff members tested positive for the disease.
Nineteen workers are now confirmed as having the virus and have been excluded from the Bedwas site – up from a total of four earlier this month – while management say a further 15 are currently off sick with undiagnosed cold-like symptoms.
All colleagues who’ve been in direct contact with these cases have also been removed from the site, with bosses admitting to taking “extensive measures” to stop the spread of infection.
The testing unit was set up at the factory yesterday morning and it aims to swab all of its 600-strong workforce over the course of the next 48 hours.
“Our understanding is that the rationale for conducting a 100% testing of colleagues is the increased number of Covid-19 test results reported in recent days,” said a spokesperson for Peter’s Pies.
“The local authority would like to understand if there is the potential for onward transmission within the factory environment and determine if Peter’s are likely to see a greater number of cases within the coming week.
“We’ve been told that the decision is not a reflection on the controls in place in the factory, as these have been reviewed and are very good and there has been minimal positive Covid-19 or asymptomatic cases.
“At this stage the authority still believes the transmission is through the community. However, they need to understand the bigger picture to identify if this is the start of onward transmission within the factory environment.”
Since the coronavirus outbreak took hold back in March, Peter’s Pies has implemented social distancing among its staff, installed perspex screens and ensured PPE is in place for those working in the factory’s packing areas, while common areas are cleaned and sanitised throughout the day.
Canteen seating has also been limited and “screened off”, and shift patterns have been staggered.