A Longford meat factory has confirmed that Covid-19 cases have been confirmed among staff.
Testing of all staff at Green Pasture Meat processors in Drumlish has begun this week after staff were notified of positive tests in the last number of days.
In a statement to Shannonside FM, the company says it is in close consultation with the HSE regarding testing for Covid-19 at the plant.
They confirm "necessary precautions have been taken to prevent further exposure to staff and say they "put in place comprehensive safety measures throughout the plant and have carried out both private and HSE testing at regular intervals over the last 6 months.".
The firm says that the recent cases are the first Covid positive cases confirmed at the plant in the last six months.
The statement below was issued to Shannonside FM this afternoon:
Green Pasture Meat Processors is in close consultation with the HSE regarding testing for Covid-19 at our plant. In line with best practice the HSE is currently testing all staff and we are following HSE protocols and Public Health guidance.
These are the first cases at our plant since the pandemic began in Ireland. All necessary precautions have been taken to prevent further exposure to staff. The HSE is responsible for testing and contact tracing and we are working with them to ensure all information is provided so that our staff, their families and the wider community are protected and informed.
“Our primary focus, at this time, is to assist the work of the HSE and to support the recovery of those affected whilst continuing to prioritise the safety, health and wellbeing of our staff” said Peter Davis, Director of Green Pasture Meat Processors.
We have put in place comprehensive safety measures throughout our plant and have carried out both private and HSE testing at regular intervals over the last 6 months. All protocols and procedures are currently being adhered to in order to minimise transmission of the virus. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation in conjunction with HSE and Public Health guidance and will follow their expert advice in this matter. To ensure the highest standards we will review all procedures in light of these cases and assess if any additional precautions are necessary.
