Media reports emerged on Thursday last which suggested that no new cases of Covid-19 had been identified in Kepak’s Watergrasshill factory, following the latest round of testing there.
Previously in May, sources connected to the meat plant confirmed that between 120 and 150 workers had tested positive for the virus.
However, one long-time Kepak worker who spoke with The Avondhu was insistent that the company had taken all necessary precautions to curtail the spread of Covid-19, saying: “The factory is as hygienic as a hospital.”
That worker also remarked that HSE officials had been onsite in Watergrasshill, carrying out inspections.
In a recent statement, the meat processor noted: “Kepak continues to observe all HSE protocols during this pandemic. We are implementing their updated protocols, including additional testing, to enhance the safe ‘return-to-work’ of our staff.”
Continuing, Kepak added that the group was actively engaging with its Employee Forums, with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), to ensure that best practice Covid-19 control measures and procedures are implemented and adhered to across all its sites.
The statement went on to point out that the health and safety of staff, customers and suppliers is the company’s ‘key priority’.
Concluding, the company said that, as an essential service, its goal was to ensure that its customers have an adequate and quality supply of food available for consumers throughout this Covid-19 pandemic.
