Covid-19: Bridgwater Muller worker dies and 95 staff self-isolating - BBC News
Muller Milk & Ingredients in Somerset confirms 47 dairy workers have tested positive for Covid-19.
The company said its milk processing was highly automated with no risk to the products caused by the virus outbreak

One worker at a dairy has died after contracting coronavirus and 95 others are self-isolating.

Muller Milk & Ingredients said 47 staff members who work at the company's dairy near Bridgwater, Somerset, have tested positive for Covid-19.

It said it was now testing all 300 workers at its site in North Petherton.

A spokesman for the firm said the safety of its products had not been affected by the outbreak at its factory.

It was working with Public Health England and the council to help with mass testing, he added.

The employee was taken to hospital but died. The firm said its thoughts were with the worker's family and friends.

Production has since been reduced at the site.

The spokesman added: "It is important to stress that fresh milk processing is highly automated ensuring no risk to products, with our Bridgwater facility one of the most modern dairies in the UK.

"As we have done throughout the pandemic, we are placing the safety of our employees first and following best practice as set down by the Health and Safety Executive.

"Standard measures in place include the use of facemasks, distancing, enhanced deep cleaning and hygiene, underpinned by a programme of e-learning, information and audits to ensure compliance and awareness of the measures."

Somerset County Council said it was working closely with Public Health England and the factory and that further testing was being done throughout Thursday.

"The [council's] rapid outbreak testing team is carrying out further workforce testing today, for workers who were not present on Monday shifts.

"The testing on Monday identified a number of staff who were positive but asymptomatic, who are now isolating," a spokesman said.