Scottish poultry facility closed with “immediate effect” due to COVID cluster

A food processing plant in Perth and Kinross, Scotland has been closed with “immediate effect” after four members of staff tested positive for COVID-19.

Two other workers at the 2 Sisters poultry facility in Coupar Angus are also reportedly awaiting the results of a coronavirus test. 

“Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of all colleagues, and we will be reviewing the situation closely in partnership with the relevant regional and national Scottish COVID-19 taskforces before we restart production,” the company said in a statement. “The facility had previously operated for six months without a single positive COVID-19 case recorded.”

NHS Tayside Associate Director of Public Health, Dr Emma Fletcher, said: “NHS Tayside Public Health were alerted to the outbreak of COVID-19 associated with the 2 Sisters food processing plant yesterday (Sunday 16 August). 

“An Incident Management Team was convened and, working with the factory, measures were put in place to reduce the risk of further transmission of the virus.

“The people confirmed to have the infection and their close contacts in the community have been identified and advice provided. Further contact tracing within the factory setting is ongoing. Arrangements to provide testing for all factory workers are in process.”

Deputy First Minister, John Swinney, said: “Where clusters of cases develop, we must find them and act quickly to prevent further spread. Public health teams in Tayside are responding quickly to this outbreak and we are liaising closely with them, Food Standards Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council to discuss all appropriate measures to contain this cluster.”