Confectionery maker Ferrero has closed parts of its chocolate plant in Ontario, Canada, after three employees contracted coronavirus.

The Italy-headquartered business said it shut “two departments” at the facility in the city of Brantford, which makes the Ferrero Rocher brand of treats, until 3 May. It added the affected employees had self-isolated for at least a week before being confirmed as having Covid-19.

Any workers impacted by the decision, made out of an “abundance of caution”, will receive full pay as the plant undergoes cleaning and sanitisation.

“We want to thank all of our employees who continue to come to work every day, ensuring that we can maintain the integrity of Canada’s food supply chain and keep store shelves stocked,” the maker of the Tic Tac confectionery brand said in a statement. “The health and safety of our employees remains our top priority and all decisions are based on that.” 
 
Ferrero said all other areas of the Brantford site remain operational with the appropriate health and safety protocols in place.