Eight more staff at a food plant in Co Kildare have been diagnosed with Covid-19.
Following an outbreak at O’Brien Fine Foods earlier this month, there were 86 positive cases of the virus found in staff.
A spokesman for the plant, located in Timahoe, said: “In line with public health guidance and as signalled last Tuesday 11 August, we have undertaken testing among employees on day seven of the Covid-19 incubation period.
“Of 177 tests conducted on day seven of the Covid-19 incubation period, eight workers had a positive result and 169 tested negative.
“Operations were suspended at the plant on August 5, when there were 80 confirmed cases.
“As with previous cases, the level of asymptomatic infectivity appears to be very high.
“Those who have tested positive have been advised to isolate as per the official guidance and full risk assessment and contract tracing procedures are underway.
“All close contacts of those affected are being notified, advised to self-isolate and to contact their GP.
“We firmly believe that to reduce risk and to best manage and control the spread of this virus, rigorous and regular testing procedures are required.
“We will be testing all employees routinely and continue to work with and be guided by the HSE in this regard.”
Kildare, Laois, and Offaly all currently remain under strict lockdown following an alarming spike in coronavirus cases in recent weeks.
Many of the new cases have been link with outbreaks at food processing plants in the midlands areas.
