The blanket testing of meat factory workers is to be reviewed by the national standing committee, which oversees COVID-19 cases in food processing plants.

Under the Government’s new COVID-19 measures, “serial testing already under way in larger food plants will continue.”

According to the Government: “The serial testing in meat processing facilities nationwide has resumed this week and is continuing, Cormac Healy of Meat Industry Ireland told the Irish Farmers Journal.

At the beginning of this week, some 0.45% (72 cases) of positive COVID-19 cases were identified after 15,842 meat factory workers were tested.

“This is very encouraging and shows an extremely low incidence of positive cases.

“We will continue to be guided by the public health authorities as regards appropriate testing approach going forward,” Healy said.

Over 15,000 factory workers have been tested to-date

Last week, the Irish Farmers Journal revealed that the HSE was pausing the blanket testing of factory workers, due to an increases in COVID-19 cases in the general population.

The Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection, is to review the implementation of the return to work safely protocol and other measures in the food sector, including information on social welfare entitlements.

Over 15,000 factory workers have been tested to-date under the serial testing programme, with 0.28% of these workers testing positive for coronavirus.

Figures revealed in a parliamentary question by Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns showed that 25 out of 26 inspections were unannounced

Meanwhile, over 90% of health and safety authority inspections in meat factories were unannounced during the month of August.

Figures revealed in a parliamentary question by Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns showed that 25 out of 26 inspections were unannounced.

Marts

Marts are relieved that they have not been singled out in the new measures.

Ray Doyle of ICOS, the body representing marts, told the Irish Farmers Journal that “mart organisations are relieved that we have not been singled out in the five stages” of the Government’s plan.

“Marts will continue to operate with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) approved by the Department of Agriculture,” he said.

The wearing of masks is mandatory in all marts and farmers must social distance by 1m.