Coronavirus outbreak at large West Yorkshire factory which supplies Asda

Wakefield Council said it has been working closely with Public Health England, the Health and Safety Executive and Forza Foods Ltd to manage an outbreak of COVID-19 at Forza Foods’ site in Normanton, Pontefract.

As of Thursday July 2, 17 members of the workforce have tested positive for COVID-19, Wakefield Council confirmed.

Action has now been taken as quickly as possible to limit the spread of the virus.

Anna Hartley, Wakefield Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “We are aware that 17 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at Forza Foods Normanton, with further cases being investigated.

"We’ve taken swift action to work with the business, Public Health England and the HSE to help limit any further potential spread.

“300 staff are being offered testing as a precautionary measure and are now self-isolating at home. Staff will only return to work when it is safe for them to do so.

“We ask everyone to please continue to follow Government guidance on regular handwashing and social distancing to help keep yourself and others safe. If you are displaying symptoms please get a test by visiting nhs.co.uk/coronavirus or call 119.”

A spokesman for Asda confirmed the factory supplies its stores.

Yesterday afternoon, Kirklees Council confirmed there had been a Covid-19 outbreak of a small number of cases at a bed factory in Batley.

Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin said she had been informed about the cases.

In a statement released on Wednesday, MP Tracy Brabin said: "Whilst I understand this news may be worrying, I want to reassure them that Kirklees Council, Public Health England and the employer at the workplace concerned have acted swiftly and are doing everything they can to keep this contained.

"They have my full support in doing so and I have been assured that contact tracing and rigorous testing are being used to identify and isolate positive cases."

MP Tracy Brabin urged the public to continue to follow government guidance.

The statement continued: "If you have symptoms then isolate immediately and get tested as soon as you can.

"If you are advised by track and trace that you have been in contact with somebody who has tested positive, please isolate for 14 days.

"Remember to regularly wash your hands, wear a mask when outside of the home and maintain social distancing where possible.

"We must work together if we are to defeat this virus.”