The total number of workers linked to Banham Poultry in Attleborough who have tested positive for COVID-19 has increased to 75 positive cases out of 347 people tested.
As a result of this infection rate, which is at about 22%, Banham Poultry has voluntarily agreed to close part of its site following advice from Public Health England and Norfolk Public Health.
From today all 350 staff who work in the cutting room area of the factory will be asked to isolate with their households. Those who have tested positive will be asked to isolate for 10 days. Those who have tested negative will be asked to isolate for 14 days. The area of the factory affected will be deep cleaned.
Staff who work in the cutting room were contacted by management at Banham Poultry last night, those who work in other areas of the plant will be able to continue working and the factory will remain open. If any employee is unsure whether they are affected they should contact Banham Poultry directly.
“This action has been taken because we believe it is the most effective way to protect the wider public from further transmission. We have carefully assessed the various levels of risk to come to this decision,” said a spokesperson for Norfolk County Council.
“This has been an incredibly tough decision for Banham Poultry, whose management team has worked tirelessly today to make arrangements for this partial closure, balancing the protection of the public, their staff and their business.”