Extra Covid measures to contain Bernard Matthews outbreak
Additional precautionary measures have been introduced at a Bernard Matthews factory in East Suffolk to help control a coronavirus outbreak.
Bernard Matthews say that while they can't protect their staff from Covid-19 outside of work they have introduced extra on-site measures to try and protect them while at work.
It comes after an outbreak at the site in Holton near Halesworth which has seen 53 staff members test positive, with 39 still in self-isolation at home.
New entrances have been created to help with a one-way system, breaks have been staggered, and more working bubbles have been created.
Bus marshals have also been rolled out on the firm's free staff transport.
In a joint statement from the company, Public Health England, and Public Health Norfolk and Suffolk, they staff who tested positive and have completed self-isolation are now able to return to work safely.
They added that most of those tested have returned negative results.
Stuart Keeble, who's Suffolk's Director of Public Health, said: "I welcome the additional measures Bernard Matthews' management team has put in place to control this outbreak. They've acted quickly and are working well with public health colleagues.
"These additional measures, both within the factory and on their staff transport, add to the strong and clear messages we have been giving to their staff and the wider public.
"Everyone must remain alert and keep following the social distancing, hand washing and mask wearing advice.
"Together we will be able to stop the spread of Covid-19."
Teams from Norfolk and Suffolk have also been out in the community working with residents to provide advice and support to people who are affected and reminding them how to keep safe.
Most of the new cases live in the Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft areas, with everyone there being reminded by local authorities of the importance of following Government guidance around social distancing, washing hands and wearing face coverings.