Dozens of key workers picking and packing vegetables at a farm in Herefordshire have tested positive for coronavirus.
AS Green and Co, based in Mathon near Malvern, says 73 of its 200 employees have COVID-19 following an outbreak there.
Workers are being asked to isolate on the farm and stay within household groups to reduce the risk of spreading the virus within the workforce.
A spokesperson said: "Our staff are our priority, they are hard-working key workers helping us provide food for the country during these unusual times.
"We contacted PHE and we are working closely with them and Public Health at Herefordshire Council to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Advertisement
"As a precautionary measure we have arranged for testing of additional key workers including management team members and visitors connected with A S Green, and can confirm all results to date outside of our site have been returned with negative results.
"To date there are 73 positive cases on our site."
More from After The Pandemic
The farm has closed for all visitors and says Public Health England has advised that "it is very unlikely COVID-19 can be transmitted through food or food packaging, so shoppers can remain confident buying British fruit and veg".
Herefordshire Council says it is arranging food and essential supplies for residents on the site while they self-isolate.
Katie Spence, PHE Midlands Health Protection Director, said: "At this phase of the pandemic, we still expect to see cases in the community and within sRead More – Source
[contf]
[contfnew]
sky news
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]
