Hilton Seafood workers die from COVID-19

Hilton-Seafood-workers-die-from-COVID-19.jpg
Hilton Seafood confirmed the deaths of two employees that had contracted COVID-19 (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Two workers from Hilton Seafood UK’s Grimsby processing plant have died after contracting COVID-19.

The manufacturer confirmed that the employees had been treated for the novel coronavirus at the Dian, Princess of Wales Hospital.

A spokesman for Hilton said: “Hilton Seafood is deeply saddened by the deaths of two of its staff over the past three days. We are in close contact with the families and will provide all the support we can at this difficult time.

“The safety of Hilton Seafood employees remains our number one priority. Working closely with Public Health England, we have maintained an intense focus on COVID-19 security, including weekly on-site testing for the disease, to identify and isolate asymptomatic cases.”

Spike in COVID-19 cases

The deaths followed a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the local area, with 106 new cases reported by the Government’s COVID-19 dashboard. National cases increased by 6,385 to 4,194,785.

Despite the complications surrounding the pandemic, Hilton has saw strong sales in its financial results.

The meat processor reported higher UK turnover driven predominantly by red meat and fish volumes, a growth it attributed to more consumers eating in due to COVID-19 restrictions.

However, city analysts warned Hilton’s financial update was still marred by the unpredictable nature of the ongoing pandemic.

Food factory outbreaks

Hilton has been one of many food and drink manufacturers whose factories have been affected by outbreaks and clusters of COVID-19.

Last month dairy processor Müller Milk and Ingredients reported one of its workers from its Droitwich, Worcester site had died from COVID-19. Another employee at its Bridgwater, Somerset site died from the viral disease the month prior and a further 47 had tested positive.

Meanwhile, Premier Foods has confirmed a small number of cases of COVID-19 at its Mr Kipling bakery in Stoke on Trent, but declined to reveal the exact number of employees affected.