The Irish Farmers Journal understands that a significant outbreak of COVID-19 has occurred in Kildare Chilling, leading to the temporary closure of the lamb line.

A number of workers are understood to have tested positive, while others are self-isolating with the virus.

The drop in workforce numbers is understood to have had an impact on processing at the plant, with an expected continued impact in days to come.

Contact tracing

Kildare Chilling processes both cattle and sheep, and the sheep side of processing is believed to be particularly hard hit as a result of the outbreak.

It’s understood the company is working closely with the HSE and that full contact tracing has been undertaken. Affected staff are believed to be in self-isolation while more testing is undertaken.

More outbreaks

Meat Industry Ireland has not yet commented on the outbreak in Kildare Chilling.

The news follows on from confirmation of an outbreak in Irish Dog Foods in Kildare last week and a further seven cases in food processor Carroll Cuisine in Offaly.

Greg Ennis of SIPTU told the Irish Farmers Journal that he was not surprised of further outbreaks and said that the organisation had been warning that a potential second wave could be sparked in meat factories.

He pointed out that mandatory testing was still not in place in factories. He added that 95% of meat factory workers did not have access to company sick schemes, which meant they would potentially be less likely to come forward with symptoms over concern of losing employment.

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