A factory in Knowsley has had to close temporarily after eight of its employees tested positive for Covid-19.
Terumo UK’s plant in Knowsley Business Park suspended operations for a week after the outbreak was reported last Friday.
The plant, owned by Tokyo-based medical equipment manufacturer Terumo Medical Corporation, is currently undergoing a deep clean while its staff self-isolate.
Plant manager Chris Beadsmoore said: “We can confirm that last Friday, eight employees, all working in production of our plant, tested positive following a Covid-19 test. They are all ok and are only showing mild symptoms.
“With our ongoing priority on the safety and wellbeing of our employees, we decided to stop the activities this week and have our employees take a self-quarantine to prevent that other employees could become infected.
“Meanwhile, we are executing a detailed and in depth disinfection of the plant.”
The Knowsley plant employs around 100 people and manufactures equipment for use in cardiopulmonary bypass operations.
Mr Beadsmoore added: “Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Terumo puts the safety and wellbeing of our employees at all times as our priority, implementing and adhering to strict safety guidelines.”
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A spokesperson for Knowsley Council said the local authority was aware of the situation at the plant.
They said: “Due to the manufacturing nature of the business it falls within the jurisdiction of the Health and Safety Executive.
“However, we are working with and supporting Terumo UK at this time and are satisfied they are following covid-secure guidance.”
