Cases escalate at Scunthorpe food factory

At least 50 coronavirus cases are now being linked to the Karro food factory in Scunthorpe, after employees raised concerns about lack of precautions being taken at the site.

Following cases reported in recent weeks, the company set up a mobile testing unit for its 450 staff.

Although the outbreak is now thought to have resulted in at least 50 cases, the site is still operational.

434 people are currently employed at the factory, an undisclosed number of whom are now in self-isolation.

Multiple members of staff have expressed concern over the measures, or the lack thereof, with some suggesting that employees have been told that wearing face masks is a food safety hazard.

But following a number of site checks by North Lincolnshire Council, the company insist that enhanced safety measures have been implemented.

Speaking earlier this month, a spokesperson for Karro’s parent company CapVest Partners LLP said:

“Karro has always, and will continue to, follow government advice and guidelines which do everything possible to protect its people, including allowing its employees to choose to wear face coverings if it is deemed safe to do so.

“Those who have tested positive for Covid-19 and those identified as working near to a colleague or having extended close contact have been sent home to self-isolate for the required time as a precaution and preventative measure.

“A mobile testing unit is now on site and all employees can be tested for Covid-19. All close contacts with confirmed cases will be contacted by NHS test and trace and anyone displaying symptoms will self-isolate and book a test.”

The company says it is working with Public Health England to manage the situation.

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