Staff sent home after coronavirus outbreak at Forza Foods in Normanton

A total of 17 workers at Forza Foods have tested positive for COVID, Wakefield Council said on Thursday lunchtime.

A further 300 staff have been offered tests and have been told to self-isolate at home.

The local authority said it was working with Forza and Public Health England to try to limit the spread of the virus. The factory remains operational as most of the workers who tested positive work the same shift, the company said.

Forza Foods is based on Devilliers Way on Normanton's industrial estate and employs more than 1,000 people.

A spokesman for Asda said: "Keeping colleagues and the local community safe is our key priority and as soon as we became aware that some colleagues had tested positive we alerted the relevant authorities.

"The number of colleagues that have tested positive represents just one per cent of the total workforce at the site and almost all are employed on one particular shift.

"We are working quickly and collaboratively with the local authority and Public Health England to isolate and test all colleagues on this shift as a precautionary measure. These colleagues will only return to work when it is safe for them to do so."

"The local authority and Health & Safety Executive both inspected the site this week and confirmed they are satisfied with the safety precautions we have put in place.

"As a result, the facility will remain operational.”

Anna Hartley, Wakefield Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “We are aware that 17 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at Forza Foods Normanton, with further cases being investigated.

"We’ve taken swift action to work with the business, Public Health England and the HSE to help limit any further potential spread.

“300 staff are being offered testing as a precautionary measure and are now self-isolating at home.

"Staff will only return to work when it is safe for them to do so.

“We ask everyone to please continue to follow Government guidance on regular handwashing and social distancing to help keep yourself and others safe.

"If you are displaying symptoms please get a test by visiting nhs.co.uk/coronavirus or call 119.”

Local Democracy Reporting Service