Chicken factory Banham Poultry Ltd closes from coronavirus outbreak

Chicken factory Banham Poultry Limited has been forced to partially close after 75 workers tested positive for coronavirus.

A total of 347 employees have are now self-isolating and the cutting room is now shut following tests at the site in Attleborough, Norfolk.

One member of staff from the 1,100 people employed is in the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital with the virus, their current condition is unknown.

Central government are today reviewing the where the source of the outbreak started with a deep clean confirmed on the site.

Louise Smith, director of Public Health for Norfolk, said that a local lockdown is not expected but will be closely monitoring the situation.

She said: "The action has been taken because we believe it is the best way to protect the wider public from further infection."

She added: "We are working with colleagues at Public Health England, the NHS and Breckland Council following an outbreak of coronavirus at Banham Poultry in Attleborough.

"A further five individuals are isolating awaiting test results. The management team at Banham Poultry has acted quickly to help prevent the spread of the virus and is working closely with us to trace the contacts of those who have tested positive.

"We are monitoring the situation and taking action to prevent further transmission both at the site and in the community."

Blaine van Rensburg, managing director of Banham Poultry said the "safety of our employees remains our number one priority".

Banham Poutry Limited is just one of many food-based factories to confirm covid-19 outbreaks over the past month.

Last week Northampton-based sandwich factory Greencore temporarily closed after almost 300 employees testing positive.

Also on the same day, poultry manufacturer 2 Sisters announced workers at their Coupar Angus site in Scotland will be shut until Monday, 31st August due to 43 positive cases.