All workers at a dessert factory are being tested after an outbreak of coronavirus.

More than 1,600 people at Bakkavor in Newark, Nottinghamshire, are being examined.

Of 701 checked so far, there are 72 confirmed cases.

Nottinghamshire County said 33 people had been able to return to work.

Jonathan Gribbin, director of public health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:

“We know that not all the cases in Newark are linked to Bakkavor so it is vital that people continue to follow the strict guidance to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 across the whole community.

“People should follow social distancing guidance in full including guidelines about car sharing, washing hands regularly, wearing face coverings, self-isolating and quickly getting a test if symptoms develop.”

Shona Taylor, from Bakkavor, said: “The [testing] programme has been positively received, and colleagues have been supportive and reassured that every effort is being taken to ensure their safety.”

The testing – which is voluntary – will run until Wednesday (tomorrow).

It is being co-ordinated by an NHS team in training rooms set up Bakkavor at its site on Newark Industrial Estate.

Bakkavor makes desserts for Waitrose and Tesco