Asda meat factory in Yorkshire closes after coronavirus outbreak

Asda confirmed yesterday that the company has closed its meat processing factory in Cleckheaton.

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The supermarket giant has owned Kober Ltd since 2016, and the plant supplies Asda with bacon products.

The closure came after a 'small number' of coronavirus cases were identified and the government's track and trace system was deployed to find people the affected workers have been in contact with.

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Affected workers are receiving full pay while the factory is closed.

A statement from Asda and Kober Ltd reads: “As soon as we became aware that some colleagues at our Kober site may have Covid-19, we responded swiftly and worked collaboratively with the local authority and Public Health England to test all colleagues.

“We have also voluntarily closed the site to protect colleagues and prevent any further transmission.

“Colleagues who need to self-isolate will receive full pay and we aim to reopen the facility early next week.

“We’re grateful to the Kirklees Council and Public Health England for their support through this process.”

Health secretary Matt Hancock announced the outbreak at yesterday's Downing Street briefing but did not specify where it was or give the name of the business.

Kober is the second Yorkshire meat factory to confirm a coronavirus outbreak.

Cranswick Convenience Foods in Wombwell, Barnsley, which also processes bacon, had nine confirmed cases in the spring. Three workers died and all but two were hospitalised.