Herefordshire farm coronavirus outbreak: what we know so far

Some 73 positive cases of the virus have been confirmed among workers at vegetable producer AS Green and Co, near Ledbury.

A joint statement from Public Health England (PHE) Midlands and Herefordshire Council said employees were being asked to remain on the farm during the period of isolation.

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On Sunday afternoon, the farm, which is nestled down a country lane just off the B4220 between Bosbury and Cradley, seemed quiet on sunny day with no sign of anxiety that must be within.

Here's what we know so far.

How many cases have been confirmed?

At 9am on Sunday (July 12) Herefordshire Council and Public Health England said there were 73 confirmed cases amongst workers at the farm, but this number could rise.

Katie Spence, PHE Midlands Health Protection Director, said: "We are still awaiting a few final results, but currently we have 73 positive cases of Covid-19 among the workforce. 

“PHE Midlands and Herefordshire Council are therefore working with AS Green and Co to closely monitor and manage the outbreak and support individual workers.”

How many people does the farm employ and how are they reacting to the outbreak?

Katie Spence added the farm has around 200 workers on site, with the firm already implementing a number of measures to try and prevent Covid-19 spreading further.

She said: “To support this workforce of around 200 key workers, the company has put in place a range of infection control measures to try to reduce the risk of staff being exposed to Covid-19.

"Measures include supporting testing on site, promoting social distancing in communal social areas and in the indoor packaging area; providing PPE for staff where applicable, encouraging regular handwashing for at least 20 seconds, and promoting the use of face coverings in closed areas."

When did the outbreak start?

According to the joint statement released this morning by Herefordshire Council and Public Health England, it was at the beginning of the week commencing July 6 when some workers started to show symptoms.

On Sunday Katie Spence said: "A small number of workers became symptomatic earlier this week and they and a few close contacts among the workforce were tested initially and found to be positive.

"In line with NHS guidance, affected individuals were asked to  self-isolate for 7 days, with their households and close contacts asked to isolate for 14 days.

“As we have seen a global trend of large food producers being subject to outbreaks, as a precautionary measure, the decision was made to test the entire workforce.

"The initial batch of results showed a significant percentage of positive cases, despite these individuals being asymptomatic. We are still awaiting a few final results, but currently we have 73 positive cases of Covid-19 among the workforce."

What does AS Green and Co do?

AS Green and Co is a vegetables growers based in Mathon, near Ledbury, on the Herefordshire-Worcestershire border.

The firm's website said it focusses on Tenderstem broccoli, borad beans, runner beans and Helda Beans.

AS Green and Co. Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire

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The Green family, which owns the farm, was originally from the Ombersley area of Worcester and moved to Rook Row Farm in Mathon more than 50 years ago.

The business has expanded on a number of occasions since, with the Greens now farming 1,000 acres.

Andrew Green (centre) with his wife Caroline and son Tom

What has the firm said?

A spokesperson for AS Green said: “Our staff are our priority, they are hard-working key workers helping us provide food for the country during these unusual times.

"We contacted PHE and we are working closely with them and Public Health at Herefordshire Council to prevent the spread of Covid-19.”

A statement on their website said: "We confirm that we are working closely with, Public Health England and the Public Health team at Herefordshire Council to support a number of our workers that have tested positive for Covid. 

"As a precautionary measure we have arranged for testing of additional key workers including management team members and visitors connected with ASS Green and can confirm all results to date outside of our site have been returned with negative results.  To date there are 73 positive cases on our site."

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It added: "Our work force and local community are our priority at this difficult time and we continue to follow the guidance of the relevant bodies to ensure that the spread of the virus is controlled and our workforce is supported."

Where are the workers now?

A joint statement from Public Health England (PHE) Midlands and Herefordshire Council said employees were being asked to remain on the farm during the period of isolation.

During the harvesting season, the workforce resides in mobile homes based on the farm, so as a precaution the whole group are being treated as “one extended bubble”, according to officials.

Static caravans at Rook Row Farm. Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire

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The council said it is arranging food and essential supplies for residents on the site – who reside in mobile homes based on the farm during the harvesting season – while they self-isolate.

A statement on the firm's website added: "Our site is currently closed for all visitors and with the assistance of the various bodies no workers are being permitted to leave our site and are receiving the required support at our site."

Where are AS Green and Co's products sold?

On its website, AS Green and Co said it suppliers a number of the UK's biggest supermarkets, including Asda, Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Aldi, Waitrose and Sainsbury's.

Many of the companies buy stock through a third party producer, the firm said..

Is there a risk of coronavirus being transmitted through food?

A statement on the farm’s website said the site has been closed to all visitors, while no workers are permitted to leave.

“Our work force and local community are our priority at this difficult time and we continue to follow the guidance of the relevant bodies to ensure that the spread of the virus is controlled and our workforce is supported,” it said.

“Public Health England advises that it is very unlikely Covid-19 can be transmitted through food or food packaging, so shoppers can remain confident buying British fruit and veg.”