Related Articles
A CORONAVIRUS outbreak at an Iceland warehouse is among four depots rocked by the disease in Swindon.
Around 51 staff members at the factory, which supplies food to stores in the region, have tested positive for the disease.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
3
3
It comes after 3 crew members at Swindon’s fire station were also found to have the disease.
And Honda and Royal Mail depots also suffered “small outbreaks” as a result of lockdown being eased, officials warned.
Steve Maddern, Director of Public Health for Swindon, said: “Small outbreaks are expected as a result of relaxing lockdown arrangements and as people return to work.
“We have developed a local outbreak management plan to supplement and support the national test and trace service, and to ensure that Swindon can respond swiftly to help manage a local outbreak or hotspot.
“The council is currently responding to a small number of COVID-19 cases, and these people are isolating in accordance with the government’s self-isolation guidance.
“All workplaces remain open and are following the existing cleaning guidance for non-clinical settings advice, including continuing to provide staff with guidance on social distancing and hygiene to limit spread.”
It was announced on Wednesday that 30 employees had tested positive for the killer disease at the Iceland depot.
But alarmingly, the number has now risen to 51 in just 24 hours as the depot grapples with the outbreak.
The firm has now teamed up with Swindon Borough Council and Public Health England (PHE) South West to support staff.
Employees will now be offered on-site testing for the virus using a Mobile Testing Unit.
Social distancing measures are also being reinforced to curb the spread with staff identified as close contacts of those infected currently self-isolating.
XPO Logistics’, who handle food for Iceland at the depot, said: “Protecting our employees is our number one priority.
TO CATCH A CHEAT
Furious wife beats and strips her husband’s suspected mistress in the street – but crowd does nothing
Moore than I could have hoped for
Sun’s Jane Moore splashes out £3,800 on face treatments
TOO FAR?
Comedian Katherine Ryan upsets fans after lying about having botched bum lift to promote TV show
I’VE GOT COMPETITION
My girlfriend’s letting her flirty mate stay with her & it bothers me
SEX DROUGHT
My wife seems to have lost interest in sex since our daughter was born
“We’re working closely with the local authorities and adhering to all local and Public Health England guidance to ensure the appropriate health and safety measures are in place.”
The site remains open and operational with infection control measures being rolled out daily.
Officials are now asking locals in Swindon to remain vigilant and follow coronavirus guidelines.
3
