17 new coronavirus cases identified through rapid screening in Anglesey outbreak

17 new cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been identified in employees at the 2 Sisters Food Group poultry processing plant on the Isle of Anglesey.

The increase follows a rapid screening exercise over the weekend, and brings the total number of confirmed cases in the outbreak to 175. More than 400 samples have so far been taken, during the rapid screening phase.

Public Health Wales say “This increase is as we anticipated when a focused track and trace programme is implemented, and does not mean that the spread of infection is increasing.”

Employees and contractors from the processing plant have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days to help limit the further spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), following confirmation of multiple cases in the workforce.

Public Health Wales continues to work in partnership with the employer, Anglesey and Gwynedd Councils, the Health and Safety Executive, the Food Standards Agency, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to manage the incident.

Dr Christopher Johnson, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health Wales said:

“We have recorded an increase of 17 confirmed positive cases of coronavirus, bringing the total cases in the outbreak to 175.
“Since we commenced targeted testing last Thursday, over 400 members of staff have provided samples.

“The deployment of rapid test and trace facilities has helped identify this situation, and we will continue to keep control measures in place to bring the outbreak to a rapid conclusion.

“Incidents like this are a reminder that coronavirus is still circulating, sometimes invisibly, and that we all need to be vigilant.

“We all have a part to play in preventing the spread of coronavirus by sticking to social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others – and washing hands regularly.

“Employees who test positive are being contacted through the Test, Trace and Protect process and provided with additional advice for themselves, household and other contacts.

“I wish to remind everyone that if you or a member of your household develop symptoms of cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must book a test for COVID-19 you should do so promptly to help control the spread of infection.

The Food Standards Agency have advised that it is very unlikely that you can catch coronavirus from food. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. It is not known to be transmitted by exposure to food or food packaging.

Earlier we reported that in the wake of the cluster of Covid-19 cases the Welsh Government has not ruled out maintaining stricter lockdown restrictions on Anglesey to try and further contain its spread.