All workers at coronavirus-hit chicken factory to self-isolate

All workers at a chicken factory that was forced to close due to a coronavirus outbreak have been ordered to self-isolate for two weeks.

On Monday, the 2 Sisters processing plant in Coupar Angus, Perthshire, suspended operations following a cluster of nine positive Covid-19 cases.

NHS Tayside launched an investigation into the outbreak and confirmed on Tuesday that ten people have tested positive, with a further five individuals awaiting results.

The Incident Management Team (IMT) – which is working with Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland and local environmental health teams to provide advice and support – has informed all workers that they must self-isolate until August 31 – which will be 14 days from when the factory closed.

All workers have also been advised to undergo a test for Covid-19, even if they are not experiencing symptoms.

The health board said all close contacts of the positive cases are being followed up and given the appropriate advice and support.

Dr Emma Fletcher, associate director of public health for NHS Tayside, said: “All agencies continue to work closely together to ensure we are preventing any further spread of infection related to the factory.

“We have advised all of the factory staff to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of the factory closure and local and national agencies are making arrangements to provide any additional, necessary support required by the workers or in the community.

“The mobile testing unit has now been set up on the site and will be testing staff for the next three days which will accommodate tests for all workers.

“Our advice to the wider community is to remain vigilant to this infection.

“Please continue to follow the FACTS guidance and if anyone is experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, they should self-isolate and seek a test.”