Greencore to CLOSE today more than a week after Northampton outbreak announced

A factory at the centre of a local Covid-19 outbreak has announced that it will temporarily shut at the end of play today (August 21).

The news comes as Northampton has been added to a to the Government's watchlist after the borough's infection rate has risen for the fourth week in a row.More than a week after it was confirmed that nearly 300 members of staff had tested positive for the virus, all staff will be told to go home and isolate.

Alongside Public Health Northamptonshire, the company has made the decision as a 'precautionary measure' in a bid to stop the virus spreading further.

A spokesman for the company said: “Greencore can confirm that, in consultation with the Department of Health & Social Care, Public Health England and other government bodies, it has taken the decision to temporarily cease production at its Northampton facility from the end of today as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak in the Northampton area and at the site.

"This decision will allow all remaining colleagues at the site to self-isolate as a precautionary measure, and has been taken as part of the region’s ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of the virus and keep our colleagues safe.

"We have moved a proportion of production from the Northampton facility to other sites within the Greencore network, and are working with the affected customer to help mitigate any shortfall.

"We have been in constant contact with PHE East Midlands, Northamptonshire County Council, Northampton Borough Council and other government bodies, who have been hugely understanding and supportive of our response.

"We will continue to work closely with them in order to bring the site back safely into production as soon as possible, as colleagues who are self-isolating begin to return.

"As ever, the health and well-being of our colleagues remains our number one priority.”

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