Chicken factory closes as workers test positive for Covid-19

A chicken factory in Perthshire has been forced to close after a number of employees tested positive for coronavirus.

Four cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed at the 2 Sisters factory in Coupar Angus, which has temporarily suspended operations.

A spokesman for the site said the company was reviewing the situation.

The spokesman said: “Following the confirmation on August 16 of four positive Covid-19 cases at our site in Coupar Angus, we have decided to temporarily suspend operations and pause production on August 17, which we believe is the responsible action to take.

“Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of all colleagues, and we will be reviewing the situation closely in partnership with the relevant regional and national Scottish Covid-19 taskforces before we restart production.

“The facility had previously operated for six months without a single positive Covid-19 case recorded.”

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the development was “concerning” for factory employees, as well as those living in Coupar Angus and the surrounding areas.

He said: “Given that workers travel to the factory from many different geographic locations, it is essential that the correct contact tracing procedures are followed.

“Additionally, it is important that adequate support is given to workers and families affected by the temporary closure of the plant.”

An Incident Management Team (IMT) is working with Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland and local environmental health teams to provide advice and support.

Arrangements are being made for testing of employees. Close contacts are being advised to self-isolate and other identified contacts are being followed up and given appropriate advice.

NHS Tayside Associate Director of Public Health Dr Emma Fletcher said, “NHS Tayside Public Health was alerted to the outbreak of Covid-19 associated with the 2 Sisters food processing plant yesterday.

“An Incident Management Team was convened and, working with the factory, measures were put in place to reduce the risk of further transmission of the virus.”