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The Irish Farmers Journal understands that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), in the form of masks, has been supplied by the Department of Agriculture to meat factory workers in Kepak Athleague.
This newspaper also understands that workers in Kepak Athleague and Ballymahon were tested by the HSE between Thursday and Saturday last week, but results have still not been received by workers who continue to operate the plants. Kepak has been asked for a statement on the matter but, at the time of going to print, had not provided one.
As reported last week, Veterinary Ireland called for increased provision of PPE for workers and more testing in meat plants. However, the Department has not confirmed if PPE or testing has been rolled out to other factories.
Despite calls from SIPTU and Migrant Rights Centre Ireland for an inspection of Liffey Meats in Ballyjamesduff following reports of an outbreak, it is understood that no testing has taken place, although workers have been provided with PPE.
Figures from the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre website indicate that up to 20% of all workplace clusters are in meat factories
Minister of Agriculture Michael Creed told members of the Dáil last week that his Department was aware of six clusters of COVID-19 in meat plants.
Following these revelations, Dawn Meats temporarily closed its Kilbeggan plant and Rosderra Meats confirmed that staff from its Roscrea site were self-isolating following positive HSE testing.
Figures from the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre website indicate that up to 20% of all workplace clusters are in meat factories. Sources indicate that COVID-19 outbreaks have caused the factory line to slow considerably in some plants.
According to the HSE, a cluster is reported when two or more cases are linked.
Meat Industry Ireland has stated its members have followed HSE guidelines to protect staff.
Some meat factories are having difficulty sourcing enough temporary veterinary inspectors (TVIs), given a large number are over 70 years old and are cocooning. It is understood that vets on the Department TVI reserve list have been notified and called for training.
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