Sandwell Council is working with Public Health England and the Health & Safety Executive following confirmation of some cases of COVID-19 in staff members at meat processing business, Tulip Ltd, in Tipton.

In line with NHS guidance, any affected individuals are being asked to self-isolate at home for seven days, with members of their households to isolate for 14 days. 

Public Health partners are working closely with management to assess actions to be taken and any further measures needed to ensure working practices are as safe as possible. Dr Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health for Sandwell Council, said:

“The management at Tulip Ltd are co-operating fully with public health professionals and members of the HSE to protect the health and wellbeing of their workforce.

“We are dealing with a large workforce of almost 600 people and, despite putting a range of infection control measures in place to protect staff from potential exposure to COVID-19, there have been a number of cases among workers. 

"We are therefore liaising with management, the PHE Midlands and HSE to advise on increased social distancing measures. We are also working with local NHS colleagues to arrange testing for a group of the workforce that have seen the most cases of COVID-19 over the last month.”

A spokesperson from Tulip Ltd said:

"Safety is a condition within our business. When restrictions were introduced, and government guidelines issued in relation to coronavirus and food processing sites, our business has been working to these guidelines and liaising with UK Government, the Food Standards Agency, HSE and Public Health England on all matters including social distancing and its application in food processing factories.

“We are proud of our team members at Tipton who, as key workers, have bravely responded to this global pandemic in the most challenging of local circumstances, their health and wellbeing is of the utmost importance and we welcome PHE Midlands’ support during these unprecedented times.

“We are working with PHE Midlands to arrange swab testing for a sample group in one particular area of production before deciding upon the need for any further screening. 

"As soon as we receive test results, we will liaise with health partners to assess whether further actions are necessary.”