An outbreak of coronavirus has been confirmed at a Dundee factory as 19 cases have been reported.
The new cases are all linked to Dover Fueling Solutions factory in West Pitkerro, just outside of Douglas.
Confirmed cases and close contacts have been asked to self-isolate.
So far 19 cases of the virus have been reported, and bosses are now in the process of deep cleaning the factory and installing stricter social distancing measures.
It comes as a surge of cases in Dundee continues.
The city has the highest rate of coronavirus per population of any local authority in Scotland.
Scared employees
One employee, who asked to remain anonymous, hit out at factory bosses for not closing the site.
He said: “I’m feeling pretty scared, people are actually walking out to protect themselves but they’re being told they can’t take paid sick days for it.
“It feels like they’re not caring about the workers, they just want to keep pushing out the petrol pumps.”
Safety is of ‘paramount importance’
A spokeswoman for the company said: “The safety, health and wellbeing of our employees is of paramount importance to Dover Fueling Solutions.
“We can confirm that a limited number of our employees have tested positive for Covid-19 during the last seven days, and they will remain in self-isolation for 10 days, as per the Scottish Government guidelines.
“Other individuals who may have come into contact with the affected employees are also in self-isolation as a precaution.
“It is our understanding that our employees who have tested positive are doing well and experiencing relatively minor symptoms at this time.”
‘Enhanced protocols’
The company also outlined what is being done to keep staff safe, with the spokeswoman adding: “Upon receiving the first of these positive test results, the company immediately put into effect its internal positive case protocol.
“This includes, but is not limited to, establishing and closing all areas in which the employees worked over the past 48 hours, completing a disinfecting deep-clean procedure, and initiating a contact tracing process among on-site staff.
“As an additional precaution, anti-viral fogging has taken place twice within the last week, during the night when the facility is closed.
“Our enhanced protocols also include extensive sanitation practices, one-way employee foot traffic and strict social distancing rules above and beyond what is recommended by the government.
“We are committed to adhering to the safety measures we have in place while we maintain a safe working environment for all of our employees.”
Contact tracing
NHS Tayside confirmed work to trace close contacts and ask them to isolate is ongoing.
A spokeswoman for the health board said: “NHS Tayside’s health protection team has been made aware of 19 cases of Covid-19 connected to Dover Fueling Solutions factory in Dundee.
“Contact tracing is ongoing and all close contacts identified have been given appropriate advice and advised to self-isolate. At this stage no further action is required.
“With the current high number of cases in the community in Dundee we would like to remind everyone that it is important to get tested whether you have symptoms or not.
“Please continue to follow all public health guidance and get the vaccine when it is offered to you.”