Victorian meat processors JBS Australia and Pacific Meat have identified cases of COVID-19 on site, with all staff at both locations being tested.
The Department of Health and Human Services Victoria reported the JBS Australia Brooklyn site and the Pacific Meat site in Thomastown were among the 127 new cases in the state recorded on Monday (6 July).
In a statement on Pacific Meat’s website, it said a single employee from the Lipton Drive site was identified to have the virus after testing positive on Saturday, 4 July, and was self-isolating.
“We have closed the site immediately and have been able to get every employee on the site tested on Sunday 5/7. This closure was voluntary and done as a precaution,” the statement said.
Pacific Meat’s Norwich Ave Thomastown site continue to operate “business as usual” the meat processor said.
At JBS Australia, one new case was also found, with the “department’s outbreak squad” visiting the facility to “ensure the appropriate public health actions are taken”.
Food & Drink Business has contacted JBS Australia for comment.
In May, a COVID-19 cluster was linked to Cedar Meats Abattoir in Melbourne, which has since restarted its operations as of 28 May.
