More than 100 test positive for Covid-19 at Banham Poultry

It's understood that more than 100 workers have now tested positive for coronavirus at Banham Poultry.

Coronavirus testing at the site in Attleborough was extended to all workers at the factory and 104 have now been revealed to be carrying the virus, that's 13 per cent of the 800 strong workforce.

It's not clear how many are actually displaying symptoms.

Norfolk County Council’s director of public health, Dr Louise Smith, has revealed that more have now tested positive for the virus. 104 staff have now tested positive.

Officials are urging anyone who has not been tested to apply for a test, and they say they will be bringing more mobile units to support the testing.

Dr Smith said the council was encouraging people who work at Banham Poultry and their households to get tested.

Colleagues from the Health and Safety Executive and Breckland District Council environmental health had visited the factory to offer advice and support to Banham Poultry, to plan for the resumption of all processes in a Covid-secure way.

County council leader Councillor Andrew Proctor said: “Everyone is playing their part in managing this outbreak and reducing the risk of spread into the community and other businesses.

“I met today with MPs and Government officials, setting out what has been done and what is being done to contain this outbreak.

“In terms of the wider partnership effort, Banham Poultry and its shareholders met with representatives from BEIS and other Government departments, together with New Anglia LEP, George Freeman  MP and Sam Chapman-Allen, leader of Breckland Council, to understand the economic impact on Banham Poultry and the wider economy. Banham Poultry has made a request for financial support which will be considered by officials and ministers.

Local MP George Freeman has called for firms forced to close due to Covid-19 outbreaks to receive compensation.