Covid-19 outbreak at Coventry distribution centre

[dutchman]

All staff are being tested as a precaution



All staff at a Coventry distribution centre are to be tested for coronavirus following an outbreak among staff.

Public health officials say workers are being tested as a precaution after 10 members of staff at fruit wholesalers Fyffes Group Limited, on Richardson Way, Cross Point Business Park, tested positive for the virus.

The firm is working closely with public health officials at Coventry City Council, Public Health England (PHE) Midlands and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to contain the virus, council bosses have said.

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.”

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.

“We are also supporting arrangement to test the entire workforce and will work with the company and public health partners to review any further actions, once results are received.”

[dutchman]

I knew someone who worked there once. He told me he never wants to see another banana as long as he lives!

[dutchman]

Council advice following coronavirus outbreak at Coventry distribution centre

Coventry City Council have reminded residents of advice surrounding the coronavirus pandemic after an outbreak of the virus in the city.

It comes after 10 members of staff at fruit wholesalers Fyffes Group Limited tested positive for Covid-19.

Coventry City Council have released advice to help stop the spread of Covid-19, reminding residents to not be complacent to avoid a local lockdown.

An update on the council website reads: “We want everyone in Coventry to stay safe and help in keeping the number of infections as low as possible. To do this everyone needs to play their part by keeping informed of the latest government guidance and implementing this in our everyday activities.

“With the continued easement of lockdown restrictions and people moving about and doing more, the risk of catching coronavirus increases which is why it is as important as ever to follow the national advice and guidance to avoid another lockdown, or local lockdown.”

o help control the virus, the council has asked people to wash their hands, cover their face, and adhere to social distancing measures.

Those feeling unwell or developing symptoms should self-isolate and seek a free test.

The council added: “If you start to show any symptoms, no matter how mild, then you should self-isolate and seek a test. If you have come into contact with someone who has tested positive, then you must self-isolate for 14 days and seek a test if and only when you start to display symptoms.

“Don’t become complacent. By not following guidance you could be spreading COVID-19 without knowing it.”

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Coventry warehouse closes after more staff test positive for Covid-19

A Coventry distribution centre is to temporarily close after a further 20 people tested positive for Covid-19, taking the total number of positive cases to 30.

An outbreak at banana supplier Fyffes, on Richardson Way, Cross Point Business Park, was reported last week after an initial 10 staff members tested positive for the virus.

All 186 staff at the centre were tested and a further 20 have now come back positive, the city council said.

Fyffes has agreed to temporarily cease normal operations at its Walsgrave site for 48 hours until the morning of Wednesday, August 19, to allow for a “thorough clean of the site”.

Liz Gaulton, Director of Public Health at Coventry City Council, said: “After the increase in positive cases we have agreed a temporary cessation of normal operations is the best way forward to support the business and the food production industry, while also protecting the health and wellbeing of the workforce and the wider public health.

“Fyffes are implementing a range of additional measures, to enhance the controls they already have in place.”

[Melisandre]

I knew someone who worked there once. He told me he never wants to see another banana as long as he lives!