A MEAT factory in Cleckheaton last night (Thursday) confirmed several cases of coronavirus after the health secretary warned of new cases in Kirklees.

Kober, a meat packing factory which supplies Asda, could not confirm the exact number of cases but said the factory will be closed for the next week as a precaution.

The company is also owned by Asda who bought the business outright through its Normanton-based company International Produce Limited in 2016.

Late last night, the companies issued a joint statement as speculation grew over the location of the Kirklees outbreak.

A spokesperson for ASDA and Kober said: “As soon as we became aware that some colleagues at our Kober site may have Covid-19, we responded swiftly and worked collaboratively with the local authority and Public Health England to test all colleagues.

"We have existing strict safety measures in place on the site, however as a precautionary measure we have voluntarily closed the site to protect colleagues and prevent any further transmission.

"Colleagues who need to self-isolate will receive full pay and we aim to reopen the facility early next week. We’re grateful to the Kirklees Council and Public Health England for their support through this process.”