The number of coronavirus cases associated with a cluster at a Perthshire factory has soared to just under 30.
A total of 29 people have now tested positive for Covid-19 as a result of the outbreak at the 2 Sisters food processing plant in Coupar Angus.
The incident management team set up as a result of the cluster put out an update on Wednesday evening.
The figure was up-to-date as of 2pm.
All 29 people have mild symptoms and are self-isolating.
NHS Tayside’s associate director of public health Dr Emma Fletcher said: “All agencies continue to work closely together to manage the outbreak related to the factory.
“We strongly encourage all workers to take up the offer of testing to help prevent further spread of the infection in the community.
“The public should be reassured that the plant remains non-operational however contractors are continuing to attend the site to ensure animal welfare.
“Children of factory workers who are self-isolating can continue to attend school as long as they have no symptoms and have not tested positive.
“Our advice to the wider community is to remain vigilant to this infection. Please continue to follow the FACTS guidance and if anyone is experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, they should self-isolate and seek a test.”
All 2 Sisters workers have been told to get checked for coronavirus, and to stay at home and self-isolate until August 31.
If they begin to display symptoms after a negative result, they must book another test.
Health workers are also seeking out all close contacts of the positive cases. They will be asked to self-isolate and offered a test.
The military established a mobile testing unit outside the factory earlier this week.
The marquee on the grounds of a factory was put in place to check all 900 employees for the virus.
The Courier revealed on Monday that the outbreak was started by a manager at the George Street plant, who contracted the virus from a close relative.
On Tuesday First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the situation at the Coupar Angus site as a “complex and potentially significant cluster” and did not rule out imposing a local lockdown.
It comes after the number of coronavirus cases in Dundee rose to its highest level since May 20.
Coronavirus symptoms include:
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A new, continuous cough
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A high temperature/fever
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Loss/change in sense of smell or taste
