A BED factory in Batley has been identified as the site of the second Covid-19 outbreak in Kirklees.

It is understood that eight people within the 107-strong worksforce at Dura Beds tested positive for the virus this week.

All staff are now to be offered tests, with a Mobile Testing Unit being set up on site.

Dura has taken the decision to close the facility for two weeks as a safety precaution for its employees and their families.

Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin said she was informed of the situation on Wednesday afternoon by Kirklees Council and Public Health England.

It’s the second localised outbreak in Kirklees in 13 days, following on from the outbreak at the Kober Ltd meat factory at Hunsworth, near Cleckheaton.

At Kober 165 staff tested positive for coronavirus.

Ms Brabin said the number in Batley was “small”.

She added: “Whilst I understand this news may be worrying, I want to reassure [people] that Kirklees Council, Public Health England and the employer at the workplace concerned have acted swiftly and are doing everything they can to keep this contained.

“They have my full support in doing so and I have been assured that contact tracing and rigorous testing are being used to identify and isolate positive cases.

 “I urge everyone to continue following government guidance.

“If you have symptoms then isolate immediately and get tested as soon as you can.

“If you are advised by track and trace that you have been in contact with somebody who has tested positive, please isolate for 14 days.

“Remember to regularly wash your hands, wear a mask when outside of the home and maintain social distancing where possible.

“We must work together if we are to defeat this virus.”

A Kirklees Council spokesperson said: “Dura Beds are also working closely with Kirklees Council and Public Health England so those who have tested positive can be followed up by the NHS Test and Trace programme and self-isolate.

“People who might have come into contact with an infected individual will be contacted and may be advised to self-isolate for 14 days.

“While the risk to residents from this outbreak is very low, everyone in Kirklees should continue to socially distance, wash hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water and get tested if they have symptoms.”