Tyson Foods announces Covid-19 testing results of Chicago facility

US-based meat producer Tyson Foods has announced the results of Covid-19 tests that were conducted on 240 team members working at its steak-cutting facility in Chicago, Illinois.

The company said that the only members of the facility were tested positive, and the majority of the employees did not show symptoms.

Tyson Foods Health and Safety senior vice-president Tom Brower said: “At Tyson, our top priority is ensuring the health and safety of our team members, their families and the communities in which they live and work.

“We are using the most up-to-date data and resources to support our team members and are committed to making sure they feel safe and secure when they come into work.”

The company further added that its Chicago facility is among more than 40 production facilities in the US, where Tyson is rolling out advanced testing capabilities and enhanced care options on-site its team members.

These facilities provided by partnering with medical clinical services company Matrix Medical and other partners.

Tyson Foods Chicago plant manager Ieon Bhairoo said: “Our team members are essential to feeding the nation, and their health and safety come first.

“Disclosing our testing results is another step we are taking to better protect our team members and the Chicago community.”

Tyson Foods added that the team members who were tested positive will receive paid leave and may return to work only after they meet the criteria established by both the CDC and Tyson.

Going further, the company intends to disclose the results at other plants to health and government officials, team members and stakeholders.

Last month, Tyson Foods has reported that 570 individuals were tested positive for Covid-19 at its poultry facility in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.