Dawn Meats has said it will pay any staff member who is obliged to self-isolate in line with HSE guidelines.

However, the company said that it will not publish updates or comment on test results among its staff at specific plants.

“Where positive tests are identified, we will ensure all staff, close contacts, and the HSE and relevant authorities are fully informed,” the company said in a statement.

Dawn said it continues to work closely with the HSE and other government agencies to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 transmission and that it supports mass testing across all meat processing plants.

It pointed out that the production of food was an essential service that was important to maintain, “but it has to be done in a manner that deals with the risk of COVID-19 appropriately.”

Measures taken

Dawn outlined the measures taken in its plants to-date:

COVID-19 response teams at each site.

Detailed risk assessments.

COVID-19 signage and notices in the range of national languages used by its staff.

Staff briefings and training to manage COVID-19 risks.

Employees not allowed to work if they have symptoms of COVID-19.

All staff self-isolating due to suspected COVID-19, a positive test, or a close contact of a positive test, are paid while absent from work.

Perspex screens between staff on the production line.

Necessary PPE to all staff at work.

Immediate contact-tracing process implemented by the company on notification of a confirmed COVID-19 case amongst the workforce.

Blanket testing of factory workers for COVID-19 to be reviewed