Tyson Foods reports 570 Covid-19 cases at North Carolina poultry plant

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

The results were based on the tests conducted on 2,244 team members and contractors who work at the facility.

The majority of those who were confirmed did not show any symptoms and otherwise would not have been identified.

The company noted that it is committed to disclosing the test results to keep its team members and the community safe.

Tyson Foods Health and Safety senior vice-president Tom Brower said: “We are working closely with local health departments to protect our team members and their families, and to help manage the spread of the virus in our communities.

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

Tyson Foods’ Wilkesboro facility is said to be among an initial group of more than 30 production facilities in the US, where the company is providing advanced testing capabilities and enhanced care options on-site to team members.

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

The company is prioritising communities with a higher prevalence of Covid-19 and said it will assess additional needs based on significant risk factors and access to testing.

Tyson Foods further 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.