Sandwell Council and Public Health England are working with parcel delivery company DPD UK after members of staff at its Oldbury site tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
So far, there have been 19 cases of COVID-19 among employees at DPD UK’s site in Broadwell Road, Oldbury; with 12 employees having tested positive since 31 July.
A number of staff at the hub are currently self-isolating to help prevent the further spread of infection. Further testing of staff is planned to ensure that all cases have been identified.
Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader Councillor Maria Crompton said: “We would like to thank DPD UK for their co-operation. That’s what we need all businesses to do as soon as they become aware of positive cases.”
She added: “It’s vital businesses keep their employees safe and it may also help prevent a temporary closure of their workplace.
“This is another reminder that everyone – wherever they live, work or visit – needs to stay vigilant. The virus is still out there and the situation remains very serious.”
Director of Public Health Dr Lisa McNally said: “DPD UK alerted us to this outbreak and are taking all the necessary steps to make sure employees who need to isolate are doing so. This is important to stop other people becoming ill.
“Businesses should ensure that their staff do not come into the workplace if they have symptoms, have tested positive or have been in contact with a confirmed case. If a business does have two or more coronavirus cases in their workplace then they must notify us as soon as possible at www.healthysandwell.co.uk/covid.”
The risk to the general public is low and the risk of catching COVID from parcels remains extremely low. Basic hygiene measures such as social distancing and hand washing are really important at keeping everyone safe. Anyone with symptoms should self-isolate at home for ten days and arrange to be tested.
Dwain McDonald, CEO of DPD, said: “We would like to thank Sandwell Council and Dr Lisa McNally and her team for their speedy and effective response in helping us to manage this situation. As you would expect for a major employer in the area, the safety and well-being of our people is our top priority. We will continue to work closely with the Public Health team moving forward.”
The DPD site off Broadwell Road, Oldbury, includes a regional distribution hub as well as a local delivery depot.
Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss of change of smell or taste) must book a test as soon as possible by going online to www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.