Fruit distributor Fyffes Group Limited confirms coronavirus outbreak

Global fruit distribution centre Fyffes Group Limited has confirmed an outbreak of coronavirus after 10 staff members tested positive.

All 186 workers at the Coventry-based site at Cross Point Business Park site are now being tested as a precaution.

Coventry City Council, Public Health England (PHE) Midlands and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are now working closely with the company to prevent further spread.

Liz Gaulton, director of Public Health at Coventry City Council, said: “Fyffes have been open and cooperative with us and have followed our advice and guidance in how to deal with this unfortunate situation.

“We have advised that all 186-staff at the centre are tested as a precaution and the measures that have been implemented mean we are happy for the business to continue to open as normal at this time.

“Incidents like this show that the fight against Covid-19 is not over and that we all have a role to play in preventing the spread of the virus.

“No one can be complacent. By not following guidance you could be spreading the virus without knowing it putting other people at risk. If you show any Covid-19 symptoms – no matter how mild – you should book a test immediately, either online or by calling 119.”

Fyffes Group Limited has over 6,000 people employed across the world, specialising in growing, sourcing and distributing fruits from across the world.

Dr Mamoona Tahir, consultant in communicable disease control with PHE Midlands, said: “The management at Fyffes Group Ltd are cooperating fully with public health professionals and members of the HSE, to protect the health and wellbeing of their workforce and wider public health.

“Despite putting a range of infection control measures in place to protect staff from potential exposure to Covid-19, there have been a number of cases among workers.

“We are therefore liaising with management, the local authority and the Health & Safety Executive to advise on increased social distancing measures.”

As of yesterday, (Wednesday, August 12) 41,329 people have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus.