Local stores Aldi and Lidl are shunned by locals due to their proximity to the 2 Sisters poultry processing plant which was forced to close after a coronavirus outbreak. Since then, 200 workers have tested positive for Covid-19.
The concern felt by those who know the factory workers is common. Some told CNN that no one stayed home when they felt sick at the start of the epidemic, as they would only receive statutory sickness compensation of around 20% of their salary. 2 The sisters denied that their sickness benefit policy had nothing to do with the epidemic.
There have been so many outbreaks in meat packing plants around the world that scientists are now examining whether the environment inside the plants could be part of the problem.
"We can all speculate, but I think there are three things that appear: these people work very, very closely together, it is cold in there and it is humid," said Dr. Thomas Kamradt, immunologist and professor at the University Hospital of Friedrich-Schiller University in Jena, Germany.
Cold and humid environment
A number of scientists have suggested that the cold, humid environment inside plants could help spread the virus. "These dead animals have to be sprayed with water all the time, so you have aerosols, and it's cold ... it's something that definitely deserves a very thorough investigation," said Kamradt.
Without fresh air and direct sunlight, the new coronavirus can persist for hours or even days, scientists say. Studies have shown that the virus can survive for up to three days on plastic and stainless steel surfaces, which are common in food processing plants. As an aerosol, it can remain viable and infectious for hours.
Rowland Kao, professor of veterinary epidemiology and data science at the University of Edinburgh, also pointed out that experiments have shown that low temperatures lead to higher rates of influenza transmission and improve the survival of others coronaviruses such as MERS. "Although this has not been proven for Covid-19, similar mechanisms may apply," he told the Science Media Center.
Essential workers packed in tight quarters
Most experts say that being away from society and wearing a mask are by far the most effective way to avoid spreading the virus. But keeping a distance is not always possible in a factory setting.
James Wood, professor at Cambridge Infectious Diseases, a research center at the University of Cambridge, said that epidemics inside food processing plants are likely caused by a combination of factors "that can make them deadly" .
"People have to stand close to each other and shout to be heard ... you have people who work long hours near each other, all this increases the risk of infection," he said. declared.
It is believed that shouting, singing and speaking loudly releases more virus-laden droplets into the air. Above all, people can transmit the virus without knowing it, without feeling sick.
Factory floors filled with workers side by side are not unique to the food processing industry. What is unique, however, is that unlike car assembly lines and aircraft factories, these factories remained open to business, even when social distancing was not possible. They play an essential role in the food supply and closing several of them at the same time would cause food shortages and force farmers to euthanize their animals. In the United States, President Donald Trump even issued a decree forcing meat factories to open.
Vulnerable communities
Meat factory epidemics have affected vulnerable communities, including migrants. Jobs in food processing plants are notoriously difficult and among the lowest paid, which often makes it difficult for employers to find local staff.
"These are not very popular places to work. So you often end up with migrants or foreign workers living in large communities around the factories and therefore you have a potential for transmission that takes place outside of factory as well as in the factory itself, "says Wood.
A large proportion of workers in the industry are often born abroad and come from a number of countries. According to the British Meat Processing Association, more than two-thirds of the 75,000 workers employed in meat processing in the United Kingdom are migrant workers from elsewhere in Europe. In the United States, immigrants make up almost 30% of all workers in meat packing plants. In Germany, it's about a third.
Paddy McNaught, the Unite regional officer in Wales, said workers in the industry often do not receive sickness benefits, another factor that could lead to epidemics. "So when you are in a situation like this, when you are on low wages, you have very little disposable income, you are more likely to take a risk and go to work when you have the temperature, rather than take the leave and isolate for 14 days, "he said. The industry must ensure that workers have sufficient protection to be able to take time off without suffering financially, he added.
Anna Stewart reported from Llangefni, Ivana Kottasova and Aleesha Khaliq wrote from London and Derby, England.