A total of 17 workers at Forza Foods in Yorkshire have tested positive for coronavirus, with a further 300 staff have now been sent home to self-isolate.

Wakefield Council confirmed the outbreak on Devilliers Way, Pontefract, where over 1,000 are employed, this afternoon (Thursday, 2nd July).

The factory, who supplies food for supermarket chain Asda, remains operational as most of the workers who tested positive work the same shift, the company said.

The local authority said it was working with Forza and Public Health England to try to limit the spread of the virus.

Anna Hartley, Wakefield Council’s director of public health, said: “We are aware that 17 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at Forza Foods Normanton, with further cases being investigated.

“We’ve taken swift action to work with the business, Public Health England and the HSE to help limit any further potential spread. 300 staff are being offered testing as a precautionary measure and are now self-isolating at home.

“Staff will only return to work when it is safe for them to do so.”

The news comes just 324 hours after bed factory company, Dura Beds in Batley,confirmed that there has been an outbreak with eight members of its 107 factory staff tested positive.

Anyone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus are advised get tested by calling 119 or visiting nhs.co.uk/coronavirus.