Coronavirus: Mutton farm workers isolated after 73 cases

Up to 200 workers were told to self-isolate on the farm where they chose the crop, after 73 tested positive for Covid-19.

Vegetable grower AS Green and Co in Herefordshire was shut down after a positive test.

Food and other necessities are delivered to the farm, where workers are isolated in the trailer house in which they live.

The company is also supported by Public Health England (PHE).

The Herefordshire Council, which organized the delivery supply, believes the outbreak is “contained” on the farm.

Farm “expanded bubble”

During harvest, workers pick and pack on a farm in Worcestershire, just west of Malvern.

The welfare of the company’s staff is a “priority” and further testing of business owners and visitors to the farm has resulted in negative test results so far, the company said.

As a precautionary measure, workers were treated as “one expanded bubble” and stayed within the household group, the council said.

AS Green and Co said in a statement on its website, “The UK Public Health Department said that shoppers are confident that Covid-19 will be very likely to be transmitted through food and food packaging, thus buying British fruits and vegetables. I will be able to carry it.”

The farm is currently closed to visitors.

From June 29th to July 5th, the average incidence of new coronavirus infections per 100,000 in Herefordshire was measured by the British Public Health Service. This compares to 116 Leicesters per 100,000.

on site

Joan Cummins, BBC Midlands Today

AS Green is close to Malvern Hills in Herefordshire.

The farm grows beans and broccoli and is a long-established family-run business in the area.

It hires about 200 seasonal pickers and packers from Eastern Europe to help the crop.

I was able to see some workers wearing face covers, walking to the farm entrance and collecting the shopping offered by the local government.

Some workers had symptoms, but most were asymptomatic, and the 73 positive results surprised them.

Herefordshire Director of Public Health said both farm owners and staff are working with health authorities.

Katie Spence, Health Protection Officer at PHE Midlands, said various infection control measures have been implemented, including on-site testing, social distances in public areas, and indoor packaging areas.

Workers are also encouraged to wash their hands regularly and cover their faces in closed areas.

“Despite these measures, a few workers showed symptoms earlier this week, and some close contact between them and workers was first tested and found to be positive,” she said. Said.

PHE said it is still waiting for some final test results on the workforce.

“This is what we do,” said Karen Wright, director of public health at Herefordshire. “Rapid testing on the farm helped us understand the infection and control its spread.

“We continue to support farm owners, their workers, and their communities, which form an important part of the local economy during this difficult time.”

National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said the industry takes the issue “incredibly seriously.”

“Test temperature regularly”

“Everything is done to keep workers safe. Their health and safety are still a priority,” said a spokesman.

“We have made significant investments throughout the sector this season. From the use of additional safety equipment and PPE, we regularly test the temperature and follow government guidance created specifically for seasonal workers. I will.”

Following the Pick for Britain campaign-an effort to unite British workers and farmers to prevent crops from spoiling during pandemics-the farm said it received more than 300 applications.

According to the farm’s website, employees are expected to share accommodation at the Lou Crow Farm, but recreational facilities with pool tables, dartboards, and televisions are provided to all employees.

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Overall, as of July 7, the Herefordshire Council recorded 749 cases during the lockdown.

Today, I’m talking to the BBC Midland, Council Leader David Hitchener.

“I don’t know the site physically, but I hope it’s completely isolated and doesn’t spread to the community.

“Owners keep the workers there and do their best to prevent them from spreading further from this farm.”

He added that the expected PHE is now trying to trace the original cause of the outbreak.

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