'Stringent measures' in place to contain Park Cakes 'outbreak'

The Park Cakes bakery site on Ashton Road

Park Cakes Bakery chiefs have implemented increased testing and an extension of the self-isolation period for employees after reports of a coronavirus 'outbreak' at the Ashton Road site.

It has emerged that a team from Oldham Council's environmental health team visited Park Cakes on Tuesday, August 4, following initial reports of positive cases among employees, one of whom told the Chronicle that "not all managers care".

However, a spokesperson for the bakery has confirmed that 'stringent measures' are now in place to try and contain the number of cases.

There have reportedly been 16 positive cases come to light in the last fortnight, and 31 since the pandemic started in the Spring.

A Park Cakes statement read: "To support our community during this time of increased concern around the spread of the virus in Greater Manchester, Park Cakes has begun an initiative to facilitate voluntary testing for our Oldham employees, their families and friends, both on-site and at local test centres.

"To date, we know more than 600 of our 1200 employees have been tested.

"While a small percentage (circa 1%) have been confirmed as Covid-positive, we are confident the stringent measures we have in place will continue to prevent spread in our workplaces.

"In addition to adhering to Government guidelines regarding the virus, Park Cakes requires all employees who have tested Covid-positive, or who fit other relevant criteria, to self-isolate for 14 days rather than 10.

"We will continue to monitor Government advice and work with local partners to take all necessary measures to safeguard our valued employees, the local community and the future of this long-established company."

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