Walkers confirms Covid-19 outbreak at Leicester factory

Leicester-based snack manufacturer Walkers has confirmed an outbreak of 28 positive cases at its city factory.

The firm said it has seen a “steady increase” of positive cases throughout June, but claimed its track and trace procedure proved the transmission of the virus didn’t take place in its Beaumont Leys factory.

A spokesman told the Daily Mirror: “We have shared our data and analysis with the health authorities and they support the view that our situation reflects transmission in the community and we do not have a transmission issue on site.

“In light of the recent increase in cases in Leicester, we have been proactively reinforcing the importance of continued vigilance on site.”

Walkers said employees with a positive or suspected case of Covid-19 are self-isolation on full pay.

Leicester was placed back into lockdown by Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Monday evening after 944 new cases were recorded in the last two weeks.