Management at the Cartamundi factory in Waterford, which employs 300 people, has confirmed that an employee has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Staff was informed yesterday evening of the development, with a letter sent out by the HSE Public Health department confirming COVID-19 was identified at the factory.
The HSE came on-site on Wednesday, March 11th and carried out a full assessment.
22 people working in supervisory production roles were initially sent home as a preventative measure.
However, today after further analyzing the situation, management made an executive decision to cease production. This stems from concerns surrounding the company's ability to continue to produce quality products as the majority of those previously sent home were in key production management roles.
All employees have since been sent home and are receiving full pay or have taken annual leave until Thursday, March 19th.
Cartamundi, previously Hasbro, manufactures board games at the IDA Industrial Estate, on the Cork Road in Waterford city.
