West Bromwich factory works with Public Health Partners over coronavirus cases

Sandwell Council’s Public Health Team is working with Public Health England (PHE) Midlands to support a West Bromwich workplace in which a third of the workforce are affected by COVID-19.

CBS Packaging Managing Director, Jitha Singh, and his colleagues are working closely with the firm and arranging further testing of the whole workforce starting Monday, 20 July 2020.

Director of Public Health, Dr Lisa McNally, said there was concern over infection transmission into the community – both in neighbouring Smethwick, where cases have gone up recently, and in Walsall.

However, she said it would not be reasonable to connect the factory directly to all of the new cases seen in Smethwick.

Dr Lisa McNally repeated that everyone needs to remember the virus is still all around us and to follow the advice:

If you experience COVID-19 symptoms, you need to do three things.

• First, you and your household must self-isolate at home.
• Second, book a test online or by calling 119.
• Third, if you test positive, respond to any messages from Test & Trace.

Social distancing, hand washing and face coverings
Be strict in keeping your distance from people not in your household – 2 metres apart where possible. Keep washing your hands regularly and limit contact with other people.

Stay at home as much as possible, work from home if you can and wear a face covering especially if you are in an ‘indoors’ environment.