Abattoir closure: Plant shutdown amid rising Covid-19 cases

A regional meat processor has temporarily closed its doors as coronavirus spreads in the local area, despite no evidence of virus transmission at the plant.

A number of regional meat processing plants have been connected to positive Covid-19 cases. PICTURE: ZOE PHILLIPS

The Australian Lamb Company in Colac has temporarily shut down to limit the spread of Covid-19, following a rising number of cases in the community.

A spokesman for ALC said while health authorities have confirmed there was no evidence of transmission at the ALC Colac site, “we have moved to shut down our facility to protect our workforce and limit the spread”.

“Although we have a small number of cases, the exposure of our workers to community

transmission is of major concern,” the spokesman said.

It is expected 85 per cent of the ALC workforce will be fully vaccinated by Wednesday this week.

It comes after meat processors and abattoirs rushed to allay concerns Covid-19 was being transmitted within the workplace, following a number of positive cases connected to multiple plants last week.

Both Midfield Meats in Warrnambool and Australian Lamb Company in Colac have employees who have recently tested positive to Covid-19.

But it is understood the positive cases connected to ALC contracted the virus in the community, and not at the plant.

An ALC spokesman said three employees at ALC tested positive to Covid-19 last week following surveillance testing.

“The three ALC workers were identified as close contacts with the positive Colac community case reported earlier this week. They have been in isolation since last Tuesday September 28. Due to these results, the remainder of the ALC workforce will undergo surveillance testing this morning,” the spokesman said.

“In consultation with Barwon Health, contact tracing of the three positive workers has identified a group of close ALC contacts who are now isolating.

“ALC continues to operate in accordance with strict Covid-safe procedures and our own Covid-safe plan.”

In Warrnambool, one positive case has been connected to Midfield Meats.

Midfield Meats spokesman Dean McKenna confirmed the positive case was onsite at Midfield Meats on Wednesday in the transport department, resulting in eight close contacts having to test and isolate.

“That’s all contained, all tests came back negative in that area except for the initial case,” Mr McKenna said.

He said while there has been no positive cases at the Midfield main site, about 58 people were unable to attend work late last week, as a result of having to isolate or test after coming into contact with other cases in the community.

“We are still working, but at reduced capacity,” Mr McKenna said.

“The biggest issue we’ve had is keeping local and our employees relaxed. I say they’re safer at work than they are in the supermarket. At work, about the only things not wearing a mask are the sheep and the cattle. I’m very optimistic this will be contained.”