Anyone living in a household with a worker from a coronavirus-hit chicken factory has been ordered to self-isolate until August 31.
The urgent new advice was issued in response to a “significant cluster” of confirmed Covid-19 cases linked to the 2 Sisters processing plant in Coupar Angus, Perthshire.
On Thursday, Dr Emma Fletcher, associate director of public health at NHS Tayside, said: “This is a critical change to our advice this evening.
“We are putting in place this extra measure to help prevent further spread of the infection in the community.”
On Monday, the factory suspended operations following a cluster of nine positive Covid-19 cases.
NHS Tayside launched an investigation into the outbreak and on Wednesday ordered all workers to self-isolate for two weeks.
By 2pm on Thursday, the number of confirmed cases linked to the site had shot up to 43.
NHS Tayside said 37 are factory workers and six are close contacts.
The health board said all the cases have mild symptoms and none have required medical care.
During her daily coronavirus briefing earlier in the day, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the outbreak as a “significant cluster”.
She it was “reflected in the fact that 27 of today’s 77 cases are in the Tayside area”.
The new guidance, which also includes children in those households and anyone who has had a negative test, was issued after a meeting of the Incident Management Team which is working with the Scottish Government.
Dr Fletcher added: “It’s also really important that everyone in the Tayside area is extra vigilant in following the FACTS guidance, in particular the over 70s, and those who were shielding or in high-risk groups.
“A large proportion of the workforce has already come forward for testing which is excellent, but we would strongly encourage all workers who have not yet been tested to take up this offer, even if they don’t have any symptoms.
“We continue to work closely with the factory and local authority colleagues to ensure that all workers have the right information and support to access testing.”
FACTS guidance:
F – Face coverings. These should be used in shops and on public transport.
A – Avoid crowded places.
C – Clean your hands frequently, using water and soap whenever possible.
T – Two metres – observe physical distancing.
S – Self-isolate and book a test if you are suffering from Covid-19 symptoms.
Symptoms
- A high temperature or fever.
- A new continuous cough.
- A loss of, or change, in sense of smell or taste.
To book a test, click here or call 0800 028 2816.
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