A further eight cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed among the staff at the ABP Food Group processing plant in Cahir, Co. Tipperary.
Full testing of all staff at the plant will now be undertaken.
A statement from the processor today (Thursday, August 20) said: “Last week, ABP Cahir’s Covid-19 assessment protocols highlighted a potential concern with a member of staff. The employee concerned was sent for Covid-19 testing and the company was subsequently notified of a positive test.
Following HSE [Health Service Executive] testing of close contacts of the worker concerned, ABP has been notified of an additional eight positive cases at the Cahir facility.
“ABP will now begin testing all staff members at its Cahir facility. The testing will be carried out by a private company in conjunction with the HSE to alleviate the pressure on local Covid-19 testing at this time. It is expected that the testing will commence in the next 24 hours.
“The health and safety of staff, suppliers, customers and the local community is of paramount importance. The company will continue to work proactively and take direction from both the HSE and HSA [Health and Safety Authority],” the statement added.
In a statement on Monday, ABP confirmed: “On Friday [August 14], ABP Cahir was notified of a positive Covid-19 test of one of its employees, after being referred for testing as a result of the company’s factory entrance employee assessment procedures.
“In line with HSE and company protocols, all close contacts of the worker are self-isolating and are now undergoing testing. ABP Cahir will continue to take guidance and direction from both the HSE and the HSA in relation to the case,” the group’s statement had added