72 people have tested positive for coronavirus at the Bakkavor dessert factory in Newark, Nottinghamshire.
The company have tested 701 workers and now all 1,600 staff will be tested at the factory which has a test site set up by the NHS.
33 people who tested positive have now returned back to work after a period of self-isolation and are “fully fit.”
Shona Taylor, business director for desserts at Bakkavor, said: “We understand the importance of the testing and I have been immensely proud of the management team and all the efforts that have been made to ensure we could deliver this for our colleagues.
“The programme has been positively received, and colleagues have been supportive and reassured that every effort is being taken to ensure their safety.”
Jonathan Gribbin, director of public health at Nottinghamshire County Council said, “Bakkavor have been very co-operative and we hope that the testing of their employees will allow us to find out more about where people are acquiring the infection.
“However, we know that not all the cases in Newark are linked to Bakkavor, so it is vital that people continue to follow the strict guidance to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 across the whole community.
“People should follow social distancing guidance in full including guidelines about car sharing, washing hands regularly, wearing face coverings, self-isolating and quickly getting a test if symptoms develop.”
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