Precautionary testing for COVID-19 is underway at the Bernard Matthews site in Great Witchingham, Norfolk, after several members of staff tested positive for the virus.
The testing of approximately 1,000 staff at the site has began on Friday and will continue into this week.
There have been a number of cases among staff at the site in Great Witchingham, although at this point there is not evidence to suggest transmission of the virus at the site. It is anticipated that this measure will identify if there are any asymptomatic staff who are currently showing no signs of COVID-19.
Following government guidance, any staff member who tests positive will be advised to self-isolate, along with their households.
Dr Louise Smith, Norfolk’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our top priority is to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, which will help to protect the staff at Bernard Matthews and the public. This testing is a sensible, precautionary measure that will help us understand who at the site has COVID-19 and who else they may have been in contact with.
A spokesman for Bernard Matthews said: “We can confirm a small number of positive cases at our site at Great Witchingham. These colleagues and their contacts are now self-isolating at home, and we will continue to work closely with public health officials to monitor the situation. There is no evidence these transmissions occurred in the factory. Food production and safety remain unaffected.”