Minggu, 12 Juli 2020

Coronavirus: Mathon farm workers isolating after 73 cases - BBC News

Up to 200 workers have been told to self-isolate on the farm where they pick crops after 73 colleagues tested positive for Covid-19.

Vegetable producers A S Green and Co, in Herefordshire, has gone into lockdown after the positive tests.

Food and other essential supplies are being delivered to the farm, where the workers have been segregated into the mobile homes they live in.

The firm is also being supported by Public Health England (PHE).

Herefordshire Council, which has organised the supply of deliveries, believes the outbreak is "contained" on the farm.

Farm 'an extended bubble'

The workers carry out picking and packing work during the harvesting season on the farm, just west of Malvern, in Worcestershire.

The company said the welfare of its staff was its "priority" and further testing of management and visitors to the farm had so far produced negative test results.

As a precaution, the workers are being treated as "one extended bubble" and are staying within household groups, the council said.

In a statement on its website, A S Green and Co said: "Public Health England advises that it is very unlikely Covid-19 can be transmitted through food or food packaging, so shoppers can remain confident buying British fruit and veg."

The farm is currently closed to visitors.

From 29 June to 5 July, Herefordshire had an average rate of two new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, figures from Public Health England show. This compares with Leicester, which had 116 cases per 100,000.


At the scene - Joan Cummins, BBC Midlands Today

A S Green is a vegetable producer nestling in sight of the Malvern Hills in Herefordshire.

The farm grows beans and broccoli and is a long established family run business in the area.

It employs about 200 seasonal pickers and packers from Eastern Europe to help with the crop.

A few workers could be seen in the distance wearing face coverings and walking to the entrance of the farm to collect shopping delivered by the local authority.

I understand although a few of the workers had symptoms, most were asymptomatic and the positive results of 73 people came as a surprise to them.

The Director of Public Health for Herefordshire said both the farm's owners and staff were co-operating with the health authorities.


Katie Spence, PHE Midlands health protection director, said a range of infection control measures had been introduced, including on-site testing, social distancing in communal areas and the indoor packaging area.

Workers are also being encouraged to wash their hands regularly and use face coverings in closed areas.

"Despite these measures, a small number of workers became symptomatic earlier this week and they and a few close contacts among the workforce were tested initially and found to be positive," she said.

PHE said it is still awaiting a few final results of tests on the workforce.

Karen Wright, director of public health for Herefordshire, said: "Prompt testing on the farm has allowed us to understand transmission and control the spread of infection.

"We continue to support the farm management, their workers, who form an important part of our local economy, and the local community through this challenging time."

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) said the industry takes this issue "incredibly seriously".

"Everything is being done to keep workers safe; their health and safety remains the priority," a spokesman said.

"Across the sector there have been significant investments this season; from the use of additional safety equipment and PPE, regularly testing temperatures, and following government guidance created specifically for seasonal workers."

You may also be interested in:

There has been a recent spike in cases at meat processing plants across the UK and Europe.

Lawrence Young, Professor of Molecular Oncology at the University of Warwick, said factories and, in particular, indoor areas which are cold and damp are "perfect environments for coronavirus to linger and spread".

The government has issued guidelines on working safely in food manufacturing.

Overall, the Herefordshire council area has recorded 749 cases during lockdown, as of 7 July.

Speaking to BBC Midlands Today, council leader David Hitchiner said: "I would say we've got it contained, these people are not people who travel around the community, they tend to stay where they are.

"I don't physically know the site but I would hope it is quite isolated and so it shouldn't spread out among the community.

"The owners are keeping the workers there on the site and doing their very best to make sure it can't spread any further off this farm."

He added that expected PHE are now trying to trace the original source of the outbreak.

What do I need to know about the coronavirus?

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2020-07-12 15:01:10Z
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Coronavirus: Face masks 'absolutely a good idea' in shops but not compulsory - Sky News

Wearing face masks in shops is "absolutely a good idea" but it should be left to people's judgement, a Tory cabinet minister has said as Labour backed making it obligatory.

While using coverings in enclosed spaces was being encouraged by the government in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Michael Gove said it was important "to treat people with respect".

It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson signalled they may become compulsory in shops, saying he wanted to be "stricter" on insisting people wear them because of the COVID-19 crisis.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove confirms that the government's "stay at home message" has been scrapped.
'We want to see more people back at work'

But speaking to Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme, Mr Gove indicated he did not think they should be mandatory.

The Cabinet Office minister said: "I think we should do everything we can to encourage people and to support people to wear face masks in enclosed spaces, particularly in shops, and I think it will be the case that government will be able to help in that regard.

"We're investing in significantly increasing the capacity to manufacture face masks in the UK."

Boris Johnson is advocating the wearing of face coverings in confined spaces
'We need to be stricter on face coverings'

But Mr Gove warned people wearing a mask must not think it "somehow makes then invulnerable".

More from Covid-19

He added: "There are appropriate moments when a direct message to say to people 'Don't do X' or 'Do do Y' is appropriate, but I also think it is quite right to treat the British people with the respect their intelligence and their judgement deserves.

"Outside you don't need to wear a face mask, inside, particularly in an enclosed space with poor ventilation, it is absolutely a good idea.

"On public transport you should be wearing it because of the necessary benefits that it brings to others.

"In enclosed areas like shops we encourage people to wear face masks as well. That seems to me to be perfectly sensible advice.

"I can understand why there may be a desire to build a binary divide... but I think it is important to treat people with respect."

 Labour leader Keir Starmer and shadow Business and Consumer Affairs Minister, Lucy Powell, during a visit to the Brewdog Pub
Image: Lucy Powell has defended why she and Sir Keir Starmer did not wear masks on a recent visit

But Labour's shadow business minister Lucy Powell said the opposition supported the compulsory wearing of face coverings in shops as a way of restoring confidence.

She was critical of the government's approach, which she characterised as "showing a bit of leg", and stressed the need for clarity.

The Labour frontbencher also defended why she and party leader Sir Keir Starmer had not worn masks on a recent visit to a pub and brewery, arguing it had not been a requirement of going to the venue.

:: Listen to Sophy Ridge On Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

Ms Powell told Ridge: "We do need to get a lot more confidence back in the system and if the mandatory wearing of face masks in shops will help to do that then we absolutely support it.

"We think the government, instead of just showing a bit of leg occasionally on these things by briefing newspapers or saying things that are not clear guidance in press conferences... should get some clarity.

"That's really something that would get confidence back into the system and get people feeling that they can go to the shops, they can go to restaurants and go to bars."

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2020-07-12 14:49:41Z
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Coronavirus: Mathon farm workers isolating after 73 cases - BBC News

Up to 200 workers have been told to self-isolate on the farm where they pick crops after 73 colleagues tested positive for Covid-19.

Vegetable producers A S Green and Co, in Herefordshire, has gone into lockdown after the positive tests.

Food and other essential supplies are being delivered to the farm, where the workers have been segregated into the mobile homes they live in.

The firm is also being supported by Public Health England (PHE).

Herefordshire Council, which has organised the supply of deliveries, believes the outbreak is "contained" on the farm.

Farm 'an extended bubble'

The workers carry out picking and packing work during the harvesting season on the farm, just west of Malvern, in Worcestershire.

The company said the welfare of its staff was its "priority" and further testing of management and visitors to the farm had so far produced negative test results.

As a precaution, the workers are being treated as "one extended bubble" and were staying within household groups on the farm, the council said.

In a statement on its website, A S Green and Co said: "Public Health England advises that it is very unlikely Covid-19 can be transmitted through food or food packaging, so shoppers can remain confident buying British fruit and veg."

From 29 June to 5 July, Herefordshire had an average rate of two new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, figures from Public Health England show. This compares with Leicester, which had 116 cases per 100,000.

Katie Spence, PHE Midlands health protection director, said the company had implemented a range of infection control measures, including on-site testing, social distancing in communal areas and the indoor packaging area.

'Prompt testing'

Workers were also being encouraged to wash their hands regularly and use face coverings in closed areas.

"Despite these measures, a small number of workers became symptomatic earlier this week and they and a few close contacts among the workforce were tested initially and found to be positive," she said.

Karen Wright, director of public health for Herefordshire, said: "Prompt testing on the farm has allowed us to understand transmission and control the spread of infection.

"We continue to support the farm management, their workers, who form an important part of our local economy, and the local community through this challenging time."

You may also be interested in:

The site is currently closed to visitors.

Overall, the Herefordshire council area has recorded 749 cases during lockdown, as of 7 July.

Speaking to BBC Midlands Today, council leader David Hitchiner said: "I would say we've got it contained, these people are not people who travel around the community, they tend to stay where they are.

"I don't physically know the site but I would hope it is quite isolated and so it shouldn't spread out among the community.

"The owners are keeping the workers there on the site and doing their very best to make sure it can't spread any further off this farm."

He added that expected PHE are now trying to trace the original source of the outbreak.

What do I need to know about the coronavirus?

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk

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2020-07-12 14:33:58Z
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Coronavirus: Mathon farm workers isolating after 73 cases - BBC News

About 200 key workers on a farm are isolating after 73 people tested positive for Covid-19.

The cases have been found among the workforce of vegetable producers A S Green and Co, based in Mathon in Herefordshire.

Workers are being asked to remain on the farm during a period of isolation, while Herefordshire Council arranges food and essential supplies for them.

The firm is also being supported by Public Health England (PHE).

Farm bubble

Workers, who carry out picking and packing work during the harvesting season, live in mobile homes on the farm, near Malvern, in Worcestershire.

The company said the welfare of its staff was its "priority" and further testing of management and visitors to the farm had so far produced negative test results.

From 29 June to 5 July, Herefordshire had an average rate of two new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, figures from Public Health England show. This compares with Leicester, which had 116 cases per 100,000.

As a precaution, workers at AS Green and Co were being treated as "one extended bubble" and were staying within household groups on the farm, the council said.

Katie Spence, PHE Midlands health protection director, said the company had implemented a range of infection control measures, including on-site testing, social distancing in communal areas and the indoor packaging area.

'Prompt testing'

Workers were also being encouraged to wash their hands regularly and use face coverings in closed areas.

"Despite these measures, a small number of workers became symptomatic earlier this week and they and a few close contacts among the workforce were tested initially and found to be positive," she said.

Karen Wright, director of public health for Herefordshire, said: "Prompt testing on the farm has allowed us to understand transmission and control the spread of infection.

"We continue to support the farm management, their workers, who form an important part of our local economy, and the local community through this challenging time."

A spokesperson for AS Green added: "Our staff are our priority, they are hard-working key workers helping us provide food for the country during these unusual times."

In a statement on its website, the company said: "Public Health England advises that it is very unlikely Covid-19 can be transmitted through food or food packaging, so shoppers can remain confident buying British fruit and veg."

The site is currently closed to visitors.

Overall, the Herefordshire council area has recorded 749 cases during lockdown, as of 7 July.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk

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2020-07-12 13:03:12Z
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Coronavirus: Mathon farm workers isolating after 73 cases - BBC News

About 200 key workers on a farm are isolating after 73 people tested positive for Covid-19.

The cases have been found among the workforce of vegetable producers A S Green and Co, based in Mathon in Herefordshire.

Workers are being asked to remain on the farm during a period of isolation, while Herefordshire Council arranges food and essential supplies for them.

The firm is also being supported by Public Health England (PHE).

Farm bubble

Workers, who carry out picking and packing work during the harvesting season, live in mobile homes on the farm, near Malvern, in Worcestershire.

The company said the welfare of its staff was its "priority" and further testing of management and visitors to the farm had so far produced negative test results.

From 29 June to 5 July, Herefordshire had an average rate of two new coronavirus cases per 100,000 people, figures from Public Health England show. This compares with Leicester, which had 116 cases per 100,000.

As a precaution, workers at AS Green and Co were being treated as "one extended bubble" and were staying within household groups on the farm, the council said.

Katie Spence, PHE Midlands health protection director, said the company had implemented a range of infection control measures, including on-site testing, social distancing in communal areas and the indoor packaging area.

'Prompt testing'

Workers were also being encouraged to wash their hands regularly and use face coverings in closed areas.

"Despite these measures, a small number of workers became symptomatic earlier this week and they and a few close contacts among the workforce were tested initially and found to be positive," she said.

Karen Wright, director of public health for Herefordshire, said: "Prompt testing on the farm has allowed us to understand transmission and control the spread of infection.

"We continue to support the farm management, their workers, who form an important part of our local economy, and the local community through this challenging time."

A spokesperson for AS Green added: "Our staff are our priority, they are hard-working key workers helping us provide food for the country during these unusual times."

In a statement on its website, the company said: "Public Health England advises that it is very unlikely Covid-19 can be transmitted through food or food packaging, so shoppers can remain confident buying British fruit and veg."

The site is currently closed to visitors.

Overall, the Herefordshire council area has recorded 749 cases during lockdown, as of 7 July.

Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk

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2020-07-12 12:56:15Z
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Michael Gove says wearing face masks in shops is NOT mandatory as coronavirus lockdown is eased - The Sun

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  1. Michael Gove says wearing face masks in shops is NOT mandatory as coronavirus lockdown is eased  The Sun
  2. Coronavirus: US virus cases hit new daily record  BBC News
  3. Face masks should not be mandatory, says Michael Gove  Guardian News
  4. Michael Gove says face coverings WON'T be mandatory in shops in England  Daily Mail
  5. Face coverings 'to become mandatory in shops and confined spaces'  Metro.co.uk
  6. View Full coverage on Google News

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2020-07-12 10:30:42Z
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Coronavirus: Primark says no to £30m job retention bonus - BBC News

Primark said it will not take advantage of a £30m bonus from the government, potentially putting pressure on other major firms not to take taxpayer money.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced last week that all businesses will be paid £1,000 for each employee they bring back from furlough.

Primark placed around 30,000 workers on the government's coronavirus job retention scheme.

But it said it has now brought them all back and would not ask for the bonus.

"The company removed its employees from government employment support schemes in the UK and Europe in line with the reopening of the majority of its stores," said a spokesperson for Primark's owner Associated British Foods.

"The company believes it should not be necessary therefore to apply for payment under the bonus scheme on current circumstances."

Announcing the Job Retention Bonus in last week's summer economic update, Mr Sunak said: "One of the most important things we can do to prevent unemployment is to get as many people as possible from furlough back to their jobs."

Companies can get a £1,000 per person bonus if they bring back an employee from furlough for at least three months after the government's wage payment scheme ends in October.

There are currently 9.4 million on the government's furlough scheme who, if they all returned to work, could cost the public purse more than £9bn in bonus payments.

Mr Sunak said the Job Retention Bonus scheme would be open to "all" companies.

But Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticised the scheme for not being targeted on those companies that needed it most.

While he agreed that the government "is right to act", he said: "Our concern is the action they've taken isn't focused on the right places, so the Jobs Retention Bonus is a bonus for all jobs and many of those jobs, many of the people would have been brought back in any event.

"Some are really at risk of losing their jobs, so we say it should have been targeted in the areas that most need it."

Jim Harra, chief executive of HMRC and the Treasury's principal accounting officer, refused to sign off on the measure, telling the Chancellor in a letter that it does not represent "value for money".

It is not yet clear if other companies will apply for the bonus. A spokesperson for M&S said it "welcomed" the support shown for businesses during the pandemic.

"However, at this stage, it's too early to confirm our plans to use the furlough bonus scheme announced by the chancellor earlier this week."

M&S said in May it had put 27,000 staff on furlough who are being brought back on a gradual basis.

McDonald's said it is "still working through the details of the chancellor's announcement" and is unable to comment.

Primark said it lost sales of around £650m a month through shutting shops because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The retailer started to reopen European stores in early May. It then reopened all 153 of its shops in England on 15 June.

What do I need to know about the coronavirus?

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2020-07-12 11:45:31Z
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