Irish Dog Foods has temporarily closed its production facility in Naas, Co. Kildare, to allow for a deep cleaning after a number of its employees tested positive to Covid-19.

In a statement to AgriLand, a spokesperson for the company said:

“Irish Dog Foods has been informed that a number of our employees in Naas have tested positive for Coronavirus/Covid-19.

“The individuals involved are now self isolating and we remain in contact with them to ensure they have the support they require.

We are working closely with the the HSE [Health Service Executive] and will continue to follow its advice at all times in how we manage this issue. In consultation with the HSE, we have closed the facility in question to enable a deep cleaning to be carried out.

“Staff well-being and safety is paramount for our company and we have a full range of measures in place including appropriate PPE [personal protection equipment], enhanced cleaning and hygiene regimes, social distancing measures, temperature screening and regular staff health and hygiene training and communications to help combat the virus,” the spokesperson concluded.

85 confirmed Covid-19 cases in Ireland yesterday

Yesterday, Thursday, July 30, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre was informed that one patient diagnosed with Covid-19 in Ireland has died.

There has now been a total of 1,763 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland, the centre added.

As of midnight, Wednesday, July 29, the HPSC has been notified of 85 confirmed cases of Covid-19. There is now a total of 26,027 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland.

Of the 85 cases notified:
  • 53 cases are men and 32 are women;
  • 68% are under 45 years of age;
  • 26 cases are located in Kildare, 18 in Dublin, 11 in Clare, nine in Laois, seven in Limerick, four in Meath and the remainder are spread across seven other counties.

The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.