Eleven more staff members at the Princes food factory in Wisbech have tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the total to 25 cases.

The site was closed for 24 hours last week for deep cleaning after 14 cases of the virus had been identified.

A spokesman for the international food and drink group said 10 of those are back at work after being advised to follow NHS guidelines of self-isolating.

He said: “We can confirm 25 of our Wisbech-based colleagues have recently tested positive for coronavirus. The total number of colleagues at Wisbech is 407.

“We remain in close contact with Public Health England and Fenland Council so they are fully informed of our approach and developments at the site.”

He added 33 staff members at Wisbech received negative test results and those who have returned to work after self-isolating are feeling well and symptom-free.

There have also been no reported cases at the Princes Long Sutton site, which is the company’s largest food production site in the UK.

The Princes spokesman said: “Our first priority is the wellbeing and safety of our colleagues.

“We have been following or exceeding government advice since the outbreak of COVID-19 and will continue to do so.”

Last week’s deep clean included facilities used by those who tested positive for COVID-19 as well as further cleaning across the site.

The factory’s closure was considered an additional step.

Both the Wisbech and Long Sutton production lines have remained open throughout the coronavirus lockdown.

Staff who are able to have been working from home.

In the factories, the company says strict social distancing measures have been introduced and the work environment adapted in line with government guidance to minimise the chances of infection.

Princes’ 2019/2020 annual report says it produces 1 billion cans of branded and customer own brand food a year.

In April, it pledged to donate at least 500,000 of its products to communities around the world affected by coronavirus.

The range Princes’ produces includes over 200 food and drink products including fruit juices, fruit, meat, fish and sandwich fillings.