Bakkavor’s Newark dessert factory employees undergo Covid-19 testing

Nottinghamshire County Council has announced that all employees of Bakkavor working at its dessert factory in Newark are undergoing Covid-19 testing.

The council noted that 701 staff members working at the facility have been tested at an on-site testing station established by the NHS.

Testing will be conducted upon all 1,600 employees at the station until 19 August.

Bakkavor Desserts business director Shona Taylor 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.”

The council noted that testing stations will ensure all staff members have access to testing.

It added that 33 of the positive cases all self-isolated and returned to work and are fully fit and healthy to do so.

Nottinghamshire County Council Public Health director Jonathan Gribbin 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.”

Earlier this month, Bakkavor announced plans to shut its salads factory in Alresford, Hampshire.