ONE of Bradford’s biggest employers has confirmed a number of Covid-19 cases at its headquarters – with one worker said to have been desperately ill in hospital.

Solenis released a statement outlining that nine staff members at its Low Moor site, off Cleckheaton Road, have tested positive for coronavirus in the past week.

The global chemical company employs more than 500 staff at its Bradford plant.

A spokesperson for Solenis said: “We are deeply saddened by the impact that this pandemic has had on our community and consequently the employees on our Bradford site.

“Protocols are well documented and are constantly being reviewed.

“We have in place ongoing education for all employees at the Bradford site, based on these protocols which are above and beyond those set out in the government guidelines.”

The company said this includes social distancing of two metres required from everyone, mandatory wearing of masks including in control rooms and communal areas and widespread availability of hand sanitiser,.

It said it had put in place daily cleaning regimes for all areas, with a particular focus on control rooms, communal areas and touch points.

The company said it was limiting numbers in communal areas, such as kitchens, smoke shelters and canteens and always respecting social distancing.

It added that regular audits on Covid measures were being conducted, while there was also close collaboration with Bradford Council and NHS Test and Trace and fit for work assessments by Occupational Health experts after the mandatory 10 day self-isolation.

But the relative of an employee questioned how closely some of those procedures are being followed.

The relative, who wished to remain anonymous, said his father contracted Covid-19 around two weeks ago and his condition deteriorated rapidly.

The relative said: “On Friday, January 15, he was in his own world and kept talking rubbish.

“We got to the following Tuesday (January 19), he was sat there with his mask all day - which is to stop him snoring at night.

“He was singing songs, saying he was in Blackpool with his dad who’s been dead for years.

“We rang the ambulance and they said his oxygen levels were that low, it was not getting to his brain and that caused him to be confused.”

The relative’s father was rushed into hospital and just a day later, things took a turn for the worse.

The relative said: “On Wednesday, we thought we’d lost him - he called and could barely talk.

“He said to my auntie, I can’t fight any more, I think I am a goner.

“He said, ‘what have I done to deserve this?’”

The relative revealed it would take something serious for his dad to say such words and admitted he was a “big mess” after that call.

Thankfully, his dad seems to have turned a corner in the past week, but is still dependent on oxygen.

The relative admitted there’s a long way to go before his dad makes a full recovery.

Another source - who wished to remain anonymous - came to the Telegraph & Argus last week too to share concerns about Covid-19 cases at the plant and the safety protocols in place.