CONFIRMED coronavirus cases at a north Wales poultry plant have risen to 75, health chiefs have announced.

Employees of 2 Sisters in Anglesey have been screened for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) at testing sites in Llangefni, Holyhead, and at an existing facility in Bangor.

The sample taking process is nearly concluded and testing of the samples is underway.

Public Health Wales has confirmed that as of 3pm on Saturday (June 20), the confirmed number of cases has risen to 75.

A spokesman said: "This number is expected to increase further over the next few days as we continue to process the samples taken from employees at the testing sites.

"Over 350 members of staff have provided samples so far.

"An outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared at the site on Thursday, June 18.

"Employees have been asked to self-isolate for 14 days to help limit the further spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), following confirmation of multiple cases in the workforce."

Public Health Wales is working in partnership with the employer, Anglesey and Gwynedd Councils, the Health and Safety Executive, the Food Standards Agency, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to manage the incident.

Dr Christopher Johnson, consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales, said: “Testing of employees of the 2 Sisters poultry processing plant in Anglesey at testing sites in Llangefni, Holyhead, and at an existing facility in Bangor has nearly concluded.

“What’s clear is that the system is working as it should – we are actively screening employees at the facility and this is helping us to identify contacts of individuals who have tested positive for Covid-19.

"The advice for these contacts is to self-isolate to prevent further spread. The aim of the testing is to identify more cases and we’re likely to see an increase in overall cases in the coming days.

“We are working in close collaboration with the employer, Anglesey and Gwynedd Councils, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and other partners, and our priority is to bring this outbreak to a swift conclusion.

“We would remind all members of the public that they have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus, to help keep Wales safe.

“They can do this by always observing social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others – and washing hands regularly.”