Cases of coronavirus hit 120 at fruit picking farm where 200 workers were forced to quarantine in mobile homes
- Number of confirmed cases leapt from 74 to 120 at a farm in, Mathon, Worcester
- Around 200 workers are being kept in mobile homes nearby under quarantine
- It comes after three workers at the Herefordshire farm tried to leave the site
At least 120 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 after an outbreak at a farm where three men tried to flee from quarantine measures.
Around 200 employees are being quarantined in mobile homes near vegetable farm A S Green and Co in the village of Mathon, near Worcester, since an outbreak earlier this month.
Last week 74 peopleat the Herefordshire farm had tested positive for Covid-19, that figure has now jumped by nearly 50.
Around 200 workers at A S Green and Co in Mathon, Worcester have been quarantining in mobile homes nearby after the coronavirus outbreak
A statement issued by Herefordshire Council released on Monday read: ‘Workers have been asked to remain on site and self-isolate to reduce risk of spread within the workforce and into the wider community.
‘We continue to arrange food and essential supplies to the farm and its workers during the ongoing period of isolation.
‘Two further workers who tested negative have left the farm and are being contacted by their employment agency to ensure they are self-isolating.
The number of people diagnosed with Covid-19 related to the outbreak at A S Green now stands at 120
‘This is in addition to three people who left the farm previously, who have all confirmed with their employment agency that they are self-isolating.
‘A number of workers have completed their period of self-isolation and will be able to resume their daily activities. These workers will be able to return to work or leave the farm.
The council, which is continuing to carry out tests alongside Public Health England, added: ‘the risk to the general public remains low’.
Last week PHE and the city council had to track down three ‘Eastern European’ men who left the company in Rook Row Farm, Mathon after 200 people were forced to isolate on the site when 73 workers tested positive for the virus.
Locals are being advised to wash hands regularly, maintain social distancing and wear face coverings to prevent the spread of Covid-19.