Coronavirus cluster at Greggs depot suspends operations

Chief executive Roger Whiteside said the business was working closely with Leeds City Council and Public Health England (PHE) to minimise the spread of the disease at the site in Bramely and any possible impact on its customers.

While the total number of employees tested positive for COVID-19 has not been released, it is understood that it is less than 20.

Leeds City Council’s deputy director of Public Health Lucy Jackson confirmed the Greggs site was closed to facilitate a deep clean, while further contact tracing was carried out.

Containing the spread ​

“This is a crucial part of controlling the spread of the virus and protecting our community from further infection,”​ she added. “We are satisfied the necessary steps are being taken quickly to minimise any further spread of infection.”​

“The safety of Greggs staff, customers and the wider community remains our priority and we are working closely with Greggs and Public Health England to make sure any infection is contained.”​

Greggs was one of the many business that was forced to close down its retail operations in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The baker began a phased reopening of its stores in June.

There has been a recent string of coronavirus cases within food and drink firms over the past month, with a number of processing sites reporting outbreaks since last week.

Greencore closure ​

Convenience foods manufacturer Greencore temporarily closed its Northampton factory on 21 August due to the continued outbreak of COVID-19 there. It had confirmed 292 cases of the disease earlier this month.

This week also saw Banham Poultry confirm seven cases of coronavirus at its factory in Attleborough, Norfolk. However, the site remained open.

Meanwhile, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revealed that it is monitoring 40 outbreaks of coronavirus at food plants in England.​​

Speaking at the FSA board meeting on 26 August, chief operating officer Dr Colin Sullivan said that this was a “small number”​ of sites considering the size of the sector.