Covid-19 outbreak at Evesham Vale Growers now under control
The Covid-19 outbreak among workers at Evesham Vale Growers is now under control.
Worcestershire County Council thanked the management and staff from Evesham Vale Growers for their swift response and ongoing cooperation in managing the recent Covid-19 outbreak.
During the outbreak, a total of 30 cases were confirmed. However, the business has not seen a new case of Covid-19 for two weeks.
“EVG have worked hard in cooperation with several agencies to control the recent outbreak” said Dr Kathryn Cobain, Worcestershire’s Director of Public Health.
“Their response to the outbreak including the measures put in place and support they gave their staff was vital to help stop the virus spreading further”. “Covid-19 has not gone away, and it is important that we all continue to wash our hands regularly, wear face coverings where necessary, and keep our distance.”
A spokesperson for Evesham Vale Growers said: “Our priority has always been to protect our staff. We are reassured that the measures have worked in controlling the spread of the virus.”
Production at the food packing site is starting to pick up to previous levels as the keyworkers return to work, distributing produce nationwide.
Throughout the outbreak it has been stressed by the Food Standards Agency and Public Health England that food produced on the site is unaffected and remains safe to eat.
Councillor John Smith, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, District Councillor and local resident added: “I would like to thank EVG for being so receptive at a difficult time. We have seen some really good partnership working across a number of agencies as well as great support from our District Council colleagues and local community.
“The processes being put in place now will reduce the risk of future spread of the virus. The business now has a sound business continuity plan which is great news for their future and offers reassurances for other businesses that outbreaks can be contained and managed.”
Evesham Vale Growers operates over 4,500 acres, with a wide range of agricultural and horticultural enterprises including tomatoes, spring onions, asparagus, fennel and courgettes, as well as combinable and forage crops. It has grown to be one of the largest farming businesses in the Midlands.
Its customers include Sainsburys, Waitrose, Morrison, Aldi, Asda, Iceland, and the Co-op.
