The number of confirmed covid-19 cases related to a Perthshire chicken factory has jumped to nine, with one other person waiting for results.
The 2 Sisters plant in Coupar Angus closed on Monday morning after four people tested positive for the virus.
NHS Tayside confirmed on Monday evening that a further five cases have now been identified at the George Street factory and arrangements are being made to test all other employees.
Close contacts are being advised to self-isolate and all other identified contacts are being followed up and given appropriate advice.
An Incident Management Team (IMT) is working with Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland and local environmental health teams to provide advice and support.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Where clusters of cases develop we must find them and act quickly to prevent further spread.
“Public health teams in Tayside are responding quickly to this outbreak and we are liaising closely with them, Food Standards Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council to discuss all appropriate measures to contain this cluster.
“However, individuals who have been in this plant should be extra vigilant, ensure they follow all public health advice, and if they have any symptoms of covid-19 should isolate and book a test on the NHS website.”
NHS Tayside associate director of public health Dr Emma Fletcher added: “NHS Tayside Public Health were alerted to the outbreak of covid-19 associated with the 2 Sisters food processing plant yesterday.
“An Incident Management Team was convened and, working with the factory, measures were put in place to reduce the risk of further transmission of the virus.
“The people confirmed to have the infection and their close contacts in the community have been identified and advice provided.
“Further contact tracing within the factory setting is ongoing.
“Arrangements to provide testing for all factory workers are being progressed.”
Food Standards Scotland chief executive Geoff Ogle said it was very ulikely covid-19 could be transmitted through the consumption of food or food packaging.
“There is currently no evidence that food is a source of coronavirus,” he said.
“However as with other infections, good hygiene practices should be followed throughout every element of food preparation.”
A spokesman for 2 Sisters said it had taken the decision to suspend operations after the first four positive cases.
“Our priority remains the safety and wellbeing of all colleagues, and we will be reviewing the situation closely in partnership with the relevant regional and national Scottish Covid-19 taskforces before we restart production,” he said.
“The facility had previously operated for six months without a single positive Covid-19 case recorded.”
