Dawn Meats still to decide on next week’s plan after 4 staff contract Covid-19

Four employees at the Dawn Meats plant in Kilbeggan have tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus, the firm has confirmed.

As a result, production at the plant has been deferred.

“No decision has yet been taken with regards to deferring any scheduled activity next week,” the firm has stressed today.

The confirmation that there were four employees with positive tests came to the firm on Thursday, and management made the decision to defer yesterday’s production schedule.

As t happened, no production was scheduled for Friday or over the bank holiday weekend.

In its statement, Dawn Meats said it takes the health, safety and welfare of employees, suppliers, contractors and visitors extremely seriously.

“We have implemented a detailed series of measures to manage risks associated with Covid-19, and to maintain social distancing in our facilities in line with procedures recommended by the HSE and other Government agencies.”

The firm went on to say that the cases reflected less than 2% of staff at the plant, however the decision was taken out of “an abundance of caution” while the situation is reviewed.