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With the coronavirus infection rate higher in NI than in any other part of the UK, and clusters of cases forcing some factories to close in the Republic of Ireland and Britain, the local food industry remains on high alert.
“It is a reminder that we all need to keep at this. There is no room for complacency,” a source in the industry said this week.
In NI, a small number of COVID-19 cases were recently reported at Moy Park’s factory in Ballymena.
At the Department of Health’s daily news briefing on Tuesday, NI’s chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride was asked whether that is linked to the significant increase in cases seen in the mid and east Antrim council area in the last 14 days.
“It is certainly a possibility, but it would be wrong to say anything more definitive than that,” he responded.
He pointed out that the environment within a food factory can be conducive to the spread of infection.
“Such plants are an increased risk, but such plants also go to extraordinary lengths to make sure the workforce, their sector and the local community is protected,” he said.
Meat factories are potentially at the highest risk, given the cold environment and labour-intensive nature of the work.
It is understood that comprehensive protocols are being rigorously enforced. These include checking workers on entry for signs of sickness, erection of screens and use of personal protective equipment to try to minimise the risk of asymptomatic cases spreading the disease, and keeping a comprehensive log of possible contacts with other workers.
“We even have people constantly monitoring that staff are keeping at least 2m apart. But if it’s in the community, it’s going to be difficult to stop,” acknowledged the source.
Factories have also been in constant dialogue with DAERA, the Public Health Agency and the Health and Safety Executive for NI (HSENI). A spokesperson for HSENI confirmed that inspections are continuing, and from 28 April to 17 August it has undertaken 41 visits to meat plants in NI.
“Any enforcement action has been in the form of advice and guidance on how necessary improvements could be implemented,” said the spokesperson.
HSENI checks in local marts
From Monday 10 August 2020, the Stormont Executive made it compulsory to wear face coverings in indoor settings.
That also applies to local marts, and in the last week, reports suggest that the vast majority of farmers have been complying with the new rules.
However, the Health and Safety Executive for NI (HSENI) has the power to close down marts at any stage if requirements around social distancing and face coverings are not being followed.
“Since the reopening of Livestock Markets on 28 April, HSENI has carried out four unannounced COVID-19 related inspections. It was not necessary to take enforcement action at any of the sites,” confirmed a spokesperson.
Early introduction
Prior to the Government’s announcement, some marts had taken the initiative and made wearing face masks compulsory.
Other safety protocols in place include temperature checks, pre-allocated buying spots around sale rings, plastic sheeting to help socially distance buyers, and recording contact details for everyone attending sales.
Online sales continue to operate alongside normal auctions, with a growing number of marts offering an online option, amid concerns that tighter restrictions could come into play this autumn.
SHARING OPTIONS: