101 people test positive for coronavirus at meat plant
THE number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus at a meat processing plant in Merthyr Tydfil has shot up by more than 100.
Public Health Wales (PHW) has now told household contacts of workers at Kepak who tested positive at the weekend to selfisolate.
It was yesterday confirmed that coronavirus testing at the facility at the weekend identified 101 confirmed cases out of the 810 people tested on Saturday.
This brings the total number of cases identified at the site since April to 130.
Heather Lewis, consultant in health protection for PHW, said: “As we move into the recovery phase of the coronavirus pandemic, we expect to see clusters in settings such as workplaces.
“We have identified 101 confirmed cases of coronavirus at the facility following proactive, rapid testing of the workforce, and any contacts have been instructed to self-isolate to prevent spread to the wider community.
“The identification of these cases is evidence that the Test, Trace, Protect strategy is being effective, and we are confident that all appropriate action is being taken to control this cluster.”
She said there are currently no plans to take any public health action in the wider community, such as through school or workplace closures, and no outbreak has been declared.
She added: “A Health and Safety Executive visit has been carried out at the site and HSE officers were satisfied that Kepak Merthyr are taking all reasonably practicable measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus within the workforce.
“The public has a vital role in preventing the spread of coronavirus by always observing social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others – washing hands regularly, and working from home if they can.
“When travelling you should also avoid car sharing with people outside your household, and ensure social distancing on entry and exit from your workplace.
“If you or a member of your household develop symptoms of cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must book a test for Covid-19 promptly to help control the spread of infection.”
There have been two other reported outbreaks at meat processing plants, one at 2 Sisters in Llangefni, Anglesey, and one in Rowan Foods in Wrexham.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said during his press conference yesterday that there were 210 positive cases at 2 Sisters on Friday, while at Rowan Foods there were 166.
Dawn Bowden, MS for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, said: “My thanks to the multi-agency team for their response to the cluster of Covid-19 cases at this site in Merthyr Tydfil, and that includes the military for their role in the logistics operation over the weekend.
“Having confirmation of this cluster of positive tests, it is now vital that people follow the advice and self isolate in line with guidance. If you or a member of your household develop symptoms of a cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must book a test for Covid-19 promptly.
“The tracking system will follow up on other people who may also need to follow the advice and we then have the best chance of protecting the community from the virus.
“We all need to remember the public health advice which is to keep our social distance, wash our hands regularly and to work from home where we can.”