Virus cases hit pasty company and supermarket branch staff

ONE of Cornwall’s top pasty makers has announced it had to stop production after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19.

Philps Pasties in Hayle said the employee in question was part of one of the production bubbles.

But the family-run business quickly reassured customers pre-planning and safety measures were enough to limit the spread of the virus and to keep operating safely.

The premises have also been thoroughly cleaned, a spokesperson added.

A statement on Philps’ Facebook page reads: “Unfortunately, here at Philps a staff member within one of our production bubbles has tested positive for Covid-19. Like all businesses, we have been following guidelines set by the Government to be Covid safe, and with the sharp rise in infection rates here in Cornwall recently we have put extra planning and preparation in place to be ready for a situation like this.

“All production came to an immediate halt to allow the staff time to self-isolate and limit the spread further. Thankfully, with the pre-planning and safety measures in place, we have been able to remain operational, with staff who have not been exposed to the virus.

“Our premises have now been thoroughly/professionally cleaned and sanitised by an external cleaning

company, who have been fantastic, and they will continue to perform deep cleans until it’s safe to reopen and restart production.

“Thank you to everyone for the continued support during these extremely difficult times and be assured in the knowledge that we will continue to do everything we can to keep our staff and customers safe. Thank you from the whole team here at Philps.”

Meanwhile, a large supermarket in Cornwall has confirmed that several members of staff have tested positive for Covid-19.

Multiple workers at the Tesco superstore in Carbis Bay, near St Ives, have had confirmed infections of the virus, with track and trace guidance being followed by the company, it said.

A spokesperson for Tesco said: “A small number of colleagues at our St Ives superstore have tested positive for Covid-19. Their close contacts have been informed.

“The safety of our colleagues, customers and suppliers remains our number one priority and we are working with local public health authorities, following all Government guidance and taking the relevant precautions.

“We have extensive measures across all of our stores to help keep everyone safe, including protective screens at every check-out, social-distancing signage and regular cleaning.”