Crisps firm Walkers confirms coronavirus cases at Leicester factory
Last week, Public Health England confirmed members of staff at the Pladis factory in South Wigston had come down the novel coronavirus. Bradgate Bakery, which is owned by Samworth Brothers, has also reported a number of cases.
Preventing the spread of COVID-19
A Walkers spokesperson said: “The safety of our team and their families is our number one priority and we continue to maintain the highest level of vigilance to help prevent the spread of the virus and to protect our people.
“We have seen an increase in the number of confirmed cases, reflecting the situation in the local community and coinciding with the roll-out and uptake of testing. We are in regular contact with the local health authorities and Government bodies and are reassured that we have all the correct measures in place to protect our employees.”
Leicester in lockdown
Leicester was the first UK city to reinforce a lockdown on Monday, after 944 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the past two weeks. It is believed the cluster originated outside the factory.
Walkers confirmed that members of staff who have tested positive for the virus or have a suspected case of COVID-19 are now self-isolating on full pay.
Meanwhile, health officials have revealed that the 2 Sisters Coronavirus outbreak at the Llangefni factory in Wales has been “contained” and there is no evidence of community transmission.
Walkers Leicester is the latest food factory to have reported members of staff testing positive for COVID-19. Others include 2 Sisters Food Group’s Llangefni factory in Wales and an Asda meat processing site in Kirklees.
