“Grave concern” as Rowan Foods incident declared coronavirus “outbreak”

As of last night seventy cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in connection with a factory on Wrexham Industrial Estate, with the incident now formally declared an ‘outbreak’.

UPDATE 1:30pm :

Dr Graham Brown, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health Wales has commented on the outbreak in Wrexham: “The testing process is ongoing, and as expected, we have identified additional cases associated with workers from the Rowan Foods Ltd site.

“This does not mean that the company has been identified as the source of the infection, or that finding additional cases means the infection is increasing. However, we are identifying previously asymptomatic individuals that work for Rowan Foods Ltd with the infection.

“Our investigations are continuing, and I would like to thank the workforce and wider Wrexham community for their swift co-operation with this test and trace process. This rapid response is providing vital information to help minimise the further spread of COVID-19 in North Wales.”

The statement says: “An outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has now been confirmed, but evidence so far points to community transmission of the infection, rather than the company being the source.”

Dr Brown continues: “We must remember that COVID-19 has not gone away. Incidents like this show the potential for pockets of asymptomatic undiagnosed infection in the community, highlighting the importance of following the social distancing and hygiene measures needed to bring the outbreak to a rapid conclusion.

“It therefore remains essential that all members of the public, including employees of Rowan Foods Ltd and their close contacts, continue to recognise the vital role they have in preventing the spread of Coronavirus, to help keep North Wales safe. Employees who test positive are being contacted through the Test, Trace and Protect process and provided with additional advice for themselves, household and other contacts.

“I wish to remind everyone that if you or a member of your household develop symptoms of cough, fever or change in sense of taste or smell, you must book a test for COVID-19 and you should do so promptly to help control the spread of infection. We urge everyone to always observe social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others – washing hands regularly, and working from home if they can.

“Similarly social distancing measures must be followed. When travelling you should also avoid car sharing with people outside your household, and ensure social distancing on entry and exit from your workplace.

“If you are meeting members of one other household, as permitted by the guidelines, you must stay outdoors and stay local.

“To provide additional clarity, the Food Standards Agency advise that it is very unlikely that you can catch coronavirus from food. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. It is not known to be transmitted by exposure to food or food packaging.”

Original information below….

The Health Minister is on his feet giving an coronavirus update – watch live via the video link on @WelshGovernment here.

The Wrexham Rowan Foods factory is owned by Oscar Mayer and is situated on Wrexham Industrial Estate. This morning a temporary testing unit was in place outside, with personnel in military uniform assisting with the mobile testing centre while the factory remains operational.


More details are expected shortly and we will update this article.

Wrexham’s MS Lesley Griffiths said: “This is clearly a matter of grave concern and shows that although we may be over the peak of the pandemic, coronavirus has not gone away and people must continue to strictly observe the social distancing guidelines.”

“A multi-agency team is taking this outbreak extremely seriously and I am in regular contact with the Health Minister, Public Health Wales and the Food Standards Agency.

“Around two thirds of staff at Rowan Foods have already been sampled via the Welsh Government’s Test, Trace & Protect strategy. The program is helping the authorities track the spread of the virus and implement measures to help reduce transmission.”

“Testing will continue in the coming days and I know Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is being supported by other health boards across Wales to help them cope with the outbreaks, both in Wrexham and on Anglesey.”

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety at Wrexham Council said: “I can fully understand the concerns of the communities here in Wrexham and I would like to reassure everyone that we are working very closely with Public Health Wales, The Health and Safety Executive and partner agencies to take all the necessary measures to minimise the spread of the virus.”

“Please follow all safety advice to stay 2 metres apart, only visit other households outside and remain 2 metres apart and to wash your hands regularly. If you are contacted by the Test, Trace and Protect advisers please listen to their advice to keep yourself and those of your household safe.”

“This news demonstrates that the virus is still amongst us. We must all follow all the safety advice in order to Keep Wrexham Safe. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those in the Test, Trace and Protect teams for their rapid response to this situation.”

Top pic: Military support by a mobile testing unit on the Rowan Foods site this morning. Images by Craig Colville for Wrexham.com