Some 496 of the 828 meat processing workers who contracted COVID-19 have recovered and are back at work, according to meat processors.
Meat Industry Ireland (MII) said it was disappointing that the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus reported by the HSE has continued to rise, despite the range of measures put in place to mitigate the spread of the virus.
“While the sector has faced challenges, MII data shows that almost 60% of affected workers have already recovered as per the HSE isolation protocols and others who were detected more recently continue to complete their self-isolation periods and recovery,” it said.
On Tuesday evening, Ireland’s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan confirmed that the number of clusters in meat plants had risen to 16 and that 823 workers in meat plant have now tested positive for COVID-19.
Screening tests
In a statement, MII said many sites operated by its members remain unaffected and others have experienced very few positive cases.
“Where positive cases have increased and clusters evolved, companies have worked closely and openly with the HSE officials at local level and where deemed necessary by the HSE, conducted full screening tests,” it said.
“All close contacts of positive Covid-19 cases must self-isolate until their quarantine period elapses. Return to work protocols for positive cases and close contacts are guided by HSE advice in all instances.”
MII senior director Cormac Healy said: “MII members do not underestimate the challenge COVID-19 poses and acted quickly and comprehensively to address the situation over two months ago.
“Whilst there have been a significant number of positive COVID-19 cases in some plants, it is important to recognise that many plants have had either no, or low numbers, of cases. Thankfully, a large number of affected people have now recovered, and more recently detected positives continue to complete their self-isolation periods and recovery.”
MII members do not underestimate the challenge COVID-19 poses
He described this as cause for encouragement but not complacency.
The MII statement also said it was “reassured by recent comments of the chief medical officer that there is no current justification for the closure of meat processing plants. Businesses will continue to be guided by the expert advice of the health authorities in this regard and will always act in accordance with such expert advice”.
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Some 496 of the 828 meat processing workers who contracted COVID-19 have recovered and are back at work, according to meat processors.
Meat Industry Ireland (MII) said it was disappointing that the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus reported by the HSE has continued to rise, despite the range of measures put in place to mitigate the spread of the virus.
“While the sector has faced challenges, MII data shows that almost 60% of affected workers have already recovered as per the HSE isolation protocols and others who were detected more recently continue to complete their self-isolation periods and recovery,” it said.
On Tuesday evening, Ireland’s chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan confirmed that the number of clusters in meat plants had risen to 16 and that 823 workers in meat plant have now tested positive for COVID-19.
Screening tests
In a statement, MII said many sites operated by its members remain unaffected and others have experienced very few positive cases.
“Where positive cases have increased and clusters evolved, companies have worked closely and openly with the HSE officials at local level and where deemed necessary by the HSE, conducted full screening tests,” it said.
“All close contacts of positive Covid-19 cases must self-isolate until their quarantine period elapses. Return to work protocols for positive cases and close contacts are guided by HSE advice in all instances.”
MII senior director Cormac Healy said: “MII members do not underestimate the challenge COVID-19 poses and acted quickly and comprehensively to address the situation over two months ago.
“Whilst there have been a significant number of positive COVID-19 cases in some plants, it is important to recognise that many plants have had either no, or low numbers, of cases. Thankfully, a large number of affected people have now recovered, and more recently detected positives continue to complete their self-isolation periods and recovery.”
MII members do not underestimate the challenge COVID-19 poses
He described this as cause for encouragement but not complacency.
The MII statement also said it was “reassured by recent comments of the chief medical officer that there is no current justification for the closure of meat processing plants. Businesses will continue to be guided by the expert advice of the health authorities in this regard and will always act in accordance with such expert advice”.
Read more
Over 800 factory workers test positive for coronavirus
Multilingual posters and temporary closures – HSE issues meat factory advice
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