Serial testing at ABP Clones would reassure local community and farmers

Serial testing at ABP Clones would help reassure the local community and farmers.

14 more cases were confirmed in the meat plant yesterday.

16 employees at ABP Foods in Clones have now tested positive for Covid-19.

All staff were tested earlier this week, after it was confirmed two employees had contracted the virus.

Any positive test and their close work contacts are now self-isolating – as the rest of the factory returns to work.

HSE Chief Executive Paul Reid says a plan is in place to carry out testing at all food plants.

Killing had halted in Clones while mass testing was being carried out, and the factory continues to operate on a restricted capacity.

IFA Chair in County Monaghan Frank Brady says there needs to be reassurances that the welfare of farmers and the people of Clones takes precedent in any decisions made.

ABP says staff safety and public health is its priority and will continue to take guidance and direction from the HSE and HSA in relation to Covid-19 measures.