Workers at a Covid-19 hit vegetable farm went on a shopping trip to Primark and three supermarkets just days before 73 staff tested positive for coronavirus writes Tom Hitchenor.

Around 200 workers are now being forced to isolate in mobile homes on the site in Herefordshire.

There are now fears that infected workers at AS Green and Co on Rock Row Farm, in Mathon, may have unwittingly spread the virus after going on the shopping trip last week.

North Herefordshire MP Bill Wiggin confirmed members of the group were taken by minibus to Worcester where they shopped in the city's Primark store.

The group also shopped in the Iceland supermarket and the Romanian store in the city before being driven to a Morrisons supermarket in nearby Malvern, Worcs.

READ MORE: Herefordshire farm in lockdown following 73 positive Covid-19 tests

Mr Wiggin said: "As many people will have seen on the news, a number of Covid-19 cases were detected on a farm in Mathon over the last weekend. 73 people have tested positive of which five are believed to be symptomatic.

"Public Health England have acted incredibly fast to locate the virus, test all those on-site and form a large 'bubble' at the farm.

"I commend the action so far taken and I believe this has been a very good example of the effectiveness of the work done to combat and neutralise mini-outbreaks of Covid-19 not only in the County but also county-wide.

"It is believed that a worker on the farm began feeling unwell on July 7. Since that time, all workers on the site have been tested and now are completely isolated.

"I continue to be in contact with Public Health England, Herefordshire County Council and the Government regarding the situation.

"It is reaffirming to hear that Public Health England have declared there is no immediate threat to the wider community, however, we must not be complacent.

"The farm in question is incredibly rural and all those living on-site will remain isolated for the time-being.

"I understand that residents of North Herefordshire will be keen to know if they may have come into contact with workers from the farm.

"Worcestershire County Council have been informed that a minibus took workers to shop in four separate locations in Worcester and Malvern last week.

"The shops and locations are Worcester's Primark, Iceland and the Romanian store, and Malvern's Morrisons supermarket.

"Herefordshire remains well prepared for outbreaks like this and the response so far has been exemplary.

"I wish to thank the people of North Herefordshire for their calm and resilient approach to this situation.

"In particular, I wish to bring attention to those people who have come together to deliver essential supplies to the affected farm workers.

"It is a tremendous testament to the kindness and good will of the people of North Herefordshire."

The Covid-19 outbreak came during harvesting season, where workers live on site on the Herefordshire-Worcestershire border.

The family-run business specialises in growing tenderstem broccoli, broad beans, runner beans and helda beans.

The farm has closed for all visitors but it says PHE has advised that "it is very unlikely Covid-19 can be transmitted through food or food packaging".

Herefordshire Council is arranging food and essential supplies for residents on the site.