COUNTY health chiefs have confirmed a total of 23 workers at Evesham Vale Growers have now tested positive for Coronavirus.
The COVID-19 outbreak was confirmed by Worcestershire County Council on Thursday (July 23) and health chiefs confirmed all staff at the Blackminster site would be tested and advised to isolate, when not in work.
Around 340 key workers are employed to carry out packing work vital to the UK food supply chain and local economy.
Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, Dr Kathryn Cobain, said: “23 workers from Evesham Vale Growers Limited at Blackminster near Evesham, have now tested positive for Covid-19. Those workers have been advised to isolate.
“We continue to work with the business and Public Health England to control this outbreak. This is a reminder that Covid-19 remains with us and we should all wash our hands, wear masks where necessary and keep our distance, to protect us and our loved ones.”
EVG managing director Andrew Bille confirmed the outbreak in the firm’s tomato packing production site and confirmed the origin of the outbreak.
“It is limited to one minibus bringing colleagues to work. Our other sites – the spring onion facility at Springfield Farm, and those working in fields and greenhouses, are unaffected.
“Considerable effort and investment in measures to protect us all have been made at EVG since lockdown began 126 days ago, which is testament to the company being COVID-19 free until now.”
