Coronavirus outbreak at delivery firm DPD's Oldbury hub

To date 19 employees at DPD UK’s site in Broadwell Road have tested positive for Covid-19, with 12 cases since July 31.

A number of staff at the parcel delivery company hub are currently self-isolating to help prevent the further spread of infection. Further testing of staff is planned.

Sandwell has had one of the highest rates of infection in the country over the past month, with the majority of cases centred around Smethwick and West Bromwich.

Previously three people, including at least one member of staff, tested positive for Covid-19 after a barbecue at The Soho Foundry Tavern in Smethwick on August 2.

Sandwell Council and Public Health England are working with DPD UK.

Sandwell Council’s deputy leader Councillor Maria Crompton said: “We would like to thank DPD UK for their co-operation. That’s what we need all businesses to do as soon as they become aware of positive cases.”

She added: “It’s vital businesses keep their employees safe and it may also help prevent a temporary closure of their workplace.

“This is another reminder that everyone – wherever they live, work or visit – needs to stay vigilant. The virus is still out there and the situation remains very serious.”

Director of Public Health Dr Lisa McNally said: “DPD UK alerted us to this outbreak and are taking all the necessary steps to make sure employees who need to isolate are doing so. This is important to stop other people becoming ill.

“Businesses should ensure that their staff do not come into the workplace if they have symptoms, have tested positive or have been in contact with a confirmed case. If a business does have two or more coronavirus cases in their workplace then they must notify us as soon as possible at healthysandwell.co.uk/covid.”

Sandwell Council said the risk to the general public is low and the risk of catching Covid-19 from parcels remains extremely low.

Dwain McDonald, CEO of DPD, said: “We would like to thank Sandwell Council and Dr Lisa McNally and her team for their speedy and effective response in helping us to manage this situation. As you would expect for a major employer in the area, the safety and well-being of our people is our top priority. We will continue to work closely with the Public Health team moving forward."

The DPD site off Broadwell Road includes a regional distribution hub as well as a local delivery depot.