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The HSE has issued a stark warning to at least one large-scale meat factory in the south of the country that it will be temporarily shut down if it has one more COVID-19 outbreak.
Factory management nationwide are understood to be on high alert for cases following the closure of four plants in Kildare and Offaly and the imposition of a three-county lockdown.
Government sources have confirmed that a HSE-backed weekly testing programme for factory workers will be in place this weekend, with NPHET expected to give it a final sign-off on Thursday.
However, concerns have also been raised over delays in factory test results. Kildare Chilling is understood to be still waiting for up to 200 test results from workers, including those on the cattle line.
It remains unclear when Kildare Chilling will reopen and other factories are concerned they could face the same fate at a time when cattle numbers are increasing.
The special committee on COVID-19 will meet this Thursday.
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