Staff at the 2 Sisters factory in Coupar Angus returned to work on Monday morning – just hours before First Minister Nicola Sturgeon mistakenly told them to stay in isolation.
The east Perthshire plant has been closed for two weeks after an outbreak of coronavirus.
As of Friday, there are 188 positive cases linked to the cluster, including 164 employees and 24 of their contacts.
The gates of the George Street factory reopened to all 900 employees early on Monday. They spend the first day back in training, with production set to resume on Tuesday.
However, there was confusion after Ms Sturgeon stated at her midday briefing: “All employees at the factory – and their households – should continue to self-isolate until at least the end of today.”
She said the plant was due to reopen on Tuesday.
NHS Tayside has since confirmed that the period of isolation ended on Sunday night.
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, commented on the error.
“It’s disappointing that the First Minister caused this confusion around the re-opening of the 2 Sisters factory in Coupar Angus,” he said. “At these difficult times all those in positions of leadership have to be very precise with their language, otherwise unnecessary stress is just caused to people who are already in potentially vulnerable situations.”
The Incident Management Team (IMT) fighting the cluster gave the 2 Sisters Food Group the go-ahead to reopen after a series of risk assessments.
A spokesman for the firm said work had continued during the factory closure to “supplement” existing Covid-19 control measures.
“Colleagues will also receive training and best practice guides on issues ranging from transport arrangements and conduct in the community to keeping Covid-safe in a shared household,” he said.
