Goulburn's Southern Meats abattoir tests for COVID after Sydney delivery

Manager Craig Newton said NSW Health notified him at 12.30pm, Thursday that a Sydney man who had returned a positive coronavirus result had visited the site between 12.15pm and 12.45pm Tuesday, July 20.

"He was a truck driver from Sydney who was delivering packaging and material to the abattoir," Mr Newton said.

"He used the QR code, was socially distanced and was wearing a mask."

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A male Southern Meats worker removed the pallets from the truck using a forklift and was also socially distanced, he said. The unloading occurred outside.

Mr Newton said the employee, who had already received one coronavirus vaccination, was immediately sent to Goulburn Base hospital on Thursday for testing as he was considered a close contact. He returned a negative result.The man will self-isolate for 14 days and must return a second negative result.

"We also sent a second person, who worked closely with (the forklift driver) for testing as he was regarded as a casual contact," Mr Newton said.

"He had been fully vaccinated and that test also came back negative."

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This person will also self-isolate until a second negative result is returned.

Abattoir management supplied all their contact details and dates of birth to NSW Health.

Meantime, Mr Newton said strict protocols were in place regarding coronavirus. Everyone coming into the site must use the QR code, wear masks and socially distance and no one from Sydney is allowed inside the facility. All unloading occurs outside.

Sydney tradespeople do not visit the abattoir and cameras are in place to check all movements. This footage was used to assist NSW Health on Thursday.

"It seems we've dodged a bullet but we've advised all staff that if they're feeling unwell or showing any signs of COVID-19 to go and get tested," Mr Newton said.

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Operations at the export lamb abattoir were not affected and there was no need for a deep-clean. The facility does not operate on Fridays and work will resume as normal on Monday.

Southern Meats employs 280 to 300 people.

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