THE farming industry is taking the coronavirus outbreak at a Herefordshire vegetable producer "incredibly seriously" and has said everything that can be done to keep workers safe is being done.

Around 200 workers at a farm in Herefordshire have been quarantined following an outbreak of Covid-19, with 73 positive cases of the virus confirmed so far.

READ MORE: Coronavirus outbreak confirmed at Herefordshire farm

The majority of workers at vegetable producer AS Green and Co, based in the village of Mathon near Ledbury, live and work on site in static caravans.

A joint statement from Public Health England (PHE) Midlands and Herefordshire Council said employees were being asked to remain on the farm during the period of isolation and the whole group are being treated as “one extended bubble”, according to officials.

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The council said it is arranging food and essential supplies for residents on the site – who carry out packing and picking work – while they self-isolate.

The National Farmers' Union has now said the industry is doing all it can to help.

Oliver Cartwright, NFU West Midlands spokesman, said: “The industry takes this issue incredibly seriously and everything is being done to keep workers safe; their health and safety remains the priority.

“Across the sector there have been significant investments this season; from the use of additional safety equipment and PPE, regularly testing temperatures, and following government guidance created specifically for seasonal workers.”