AN outbreak of Covid-19 has been reported at a food packing site near Evesham.

Valefresco has confirmed 18 cases of the virus, with staff now self-isolating.

This workforce is one of many in the Evesham area that are employed to carry out packing work which is vital to the UK food supply chain and the local economy.

Worcestershire County Council is working with Public Health England (PHE) Midlands, and Worcestershire Regulatory Services to support Valefresco.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director of public health in Worcestershire said: "We are working with Valefresco to ensure all necessary prevention measures are in place and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.

"Covid-19 has not gone away, and this outbreak is a reminder that we still need to do the right thing.

"There are lots of small things we can choose to do to keep ourselves, our family, close neighbours and friends safe."

Chairman of the Valefresco board of directors,Vito Pilade said; “We are working closely with Public Health England and Worcestershire County Council to deal with the outbreak.

"All necessary procedures are in place and staff are being supported.

"Our workers are vital to the food production lines of the UK and their health and wellbeing are of paramount importance.

"Our aim is to continue operations as normal.”

Valefresco was established back in 2006 following a merger of two firms: V&S Pilade and G&G Mauro - both of which have been operating for over 25 years.

Crops grown on-site include whole head lettuce, baby lettuce and various oriental vegetables.

Also grown are crops including courgettes and tomatoes.

There have been a number of Covid outbreaks at farms and packing facilities during the pandemic.

Last summer saw a major outbreak at Rook Row Farm near Malvern, with more than 142 reported cases last July.

It also emerged workers from the vegetable farm, run by AS Green and Co, had visited shops in Worcester and Malvern including the Morrison's at the Malvern Retail Park.