Public health officials confirm Covid-19 outbreak linked to bakery

Gareth Williams, local democracy reporter

Public health officials are managing a Covid-19 outbreak connected to a Bala bakery.

Gwynedd’s Incident Management Team has today confirmed that 42 cases of coronavirus have been linked to town’s Cake Crew production facility.

According to officers the bakery, which employs 330 people, is working with agencies including Gwynedd Council, the health board and Public Health Wales.

Meanwhile, a linked case has seen one pupil test positive at the town’s Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn, resulting in close contacts self-isolating in order to contain any potential spread.

In a statement the Incident Management Team (IMT) said: “An IMT comprising of representatives from the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Gwynedd Council, Public Health Wales and Shropshire Council, has been established to manage an outbreak of Covid-19 at the Cake Crew food manufacturing facility in Bala.

“The multi-agency team is working closely with the company to control the situation.

“The latest information shows that there are a total of 42 Covid-19 cases amongst the Cake Crew workforce. The company employs a total of 330 people.

“All staff who have tested positive or who have been identified as contacts are being asked to self-isolate to help stop the spread of the virus.

‘Test’ 

It continues: “Everyone who is affected are being contacted by the local Test, Trace and Protect teams and provided with additional advice for themselves, their household and other contacts.

“In addition, one pupil from Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn has also tested positive for Covid-19 and is linked to the Cake Crew outbreak.  They along with all relevant contacts from the school are self-isolating.

“The school has acted promptly and are working with the local Test, Trace and Protect team to offer advice to the relevant families.”

Over the past seven days, Gwynedd has recorded 25.7 cases per 100,000 people, but Bala’s location means that several of its staff are based outside of the county’s boundaries and even across the border in England.

The statement added: “We send our best wishes to all who have been impacted and urge them to continue to follow the advice provided to help stop the spread of the virus.

“Anyone who develops any Covid-19 symptoms are urged to self-isolate and arrange a test immediately.

“More generally, we would remind the public that they have a vital role in preventing the spread of Covid-19.

“They can do this by wearing a face covering, observing social distancing, washing hands regularly and keeping windows and doors open where possible to help ventilate indoor areas.”

The Cake Crew has been approached to comment.