Tyson Foods reports 51 positive Covid-19 cases at Maine poultry plant

Tyson Foods has reported that 51 individuals were tested positive for Covid-19 at its poultry plant in Portland, Maine, US, where it restarted limited production last week.

As part of the facility-wide Covid-19 testing conducted for the 403 team members and contractors, it was found that of the total individuals who were tested positive, 31 of them did not show any symptoms.

The company carried out testing at the facility from 2 to 4 May while it was temporarily closed for deep cleaning and sanitisation.

The plant is located in Cumberland County, where a total of 714 confirmed Covid-19 cases have been reported as of 11 May.

Tyson Foods noted that team members who test positive will receive paid leave and may return to work only after meeting the criteria established by the CDC, as well as the company.

Tyson Foods Health and Safety senior vice-president Tom Brower said: “Our top priority is the health and safety of our team members, and we are working with local health departments to manage the impact of this pandemic on our team members, their families and our communities.

“As we learn more about this virus, we continue to do everything we can to protect our team members and ensure they feel safe and secure when they come to work.”

The company is introducing advanced testing capabilities at the Portland facility.

Tyson Foods also collaborated with medical clinical services company Matrix Medical and other partners to provide improve care options on-site to team members at the plant.

Team members will also have access to daily clinical symptom screenings, nurse practitioners and enhanced education and support with regard to their personal health goals or concerns.

Additionally, the company has implemented a host of protective steps, including temperature checks, providing mandatory protective face masks to all team members, and a range of social distancing measures, which meet or exceed CDC and OSHA guidance to prevent Covid-19.

Tyson Foods also plans to disclose verified test results at other plants to health and government officials, team members and stakeholders once they become available.