More Victorian abattoirs hit by coronavirus

There have been positive cases of coronavirus detected at two Victorian abattoirs over the weekend. (Picture: File)

TWO Victorian abattoirs have each had a worker test positive to coronavirus over the weekend.

One case was recorded at the Pacific Meat abattoir in Thomastown.

The site has closed and the Department of Health and Human Services said all workers would be tested.

Pacific Meat is a family-owned business which processes cattle, sheep and pigs, according to its website.

The other case was recorded at JBS abattoir in Brooklyn.

DHHS said all staff at the site were being tested and the department’s outbreak squad would “visit today (Monday) to ensure the appropriate public health actions are taken”.

The Weekly Times has contacted both DHHS and JBS and is awaiting update on whether the facility will close.

JBS’ Brooklyn site has a daily capacity of 1,400 head of cattle and 8,200 head of small stock, and employs about 1,230 people.

Agriculture Victoria said “it is not anticipated that this matter will have any significant impact on the supply of meat to consumers”.

“Food Standards Australia New Zealand advises there is no evidence you can get coronavirus through food or food packaging,” the spokeswoman said.

It has been just over five weeks since Cedar Meats abattoir in Brooklyn reopened for livestock processing after it closed on May 1 and more than 100 staff and close contacts tested positive to coronavirus.

At the time Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos announced the outbreak, both the Government and DHHS refused to identify the abattoir saying there was no risk to the community.

Today, DHHS identified both Pacific Meat and JBS abattoirs.

MORE TO COME

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