Anglesey 2 Sisters factory coronavirus outbreak expected to be declared over in near future

A coronavirus outbreak at a chicken processing plant on Anglesey is expected to be drawn to a formal close in the near future, it’s been revealed.

Public Health Wales (PHW) has provided a positive update on the situation at the 2 Sisters factory in Llangefni.

A total of 216 positive tests for COVID-19 were recorded in connection with the facility, leading to the company voluntarily closing its doors last month.

It reopened on Friday as part of a phased approach as the number of cases began to drop.

Dr Giri Shankar, coronavirus incident director at PHW, said he anticipated he would soon be able to declare the local outbreak over.

He said: “The news from Llangefni and the outbreak associated with the 2 Sisters meat processing plant has been consistently positive for a number of days.

“As the employer resumes operations at the plant, the multi-agency Outbreak Control Team has been reassured by the rigour and robust processes the 2 Sisters management and workforce have put in place to create a safe working environment.

“We are heartened by the positive response from the workforce and the wider communities of Anglesey and Gwynedd.

“Their support for the testing, contact tracing and isolation phase of our response has helped bring the outbreak rapidly under control.

“Thanks to the combined efforts of local people, the respective councils, health board and wider agencies, the testing phase of the outbreak is now completed, and cases associated and in the wider community have reduced to background levels.

“Additionally the employer, 2 Sisters Food Group, has confirmed that any untested members of its workforce will not be allowed to return to work at the plant until they have completed a Coronavirus test.

“I am satisfied that the level of infection present in the community as a whole is low.

“Provided that members of the public continue to follow recommended social distancing, hand hygiene and self-isolation if they experience the symptoms of Coronavirus, then I hope to be able to draw the formal outbreak to a close in the near future.”