An employee at Cargill Protein’s turkey plant in Dayton, Virginia, has died from complications related to COVID-19.
“Our sympathy is with the family who is mourning the loss of a loved one. We are working hand-in-hand with the local health departments to take every possible precaution to keep our employees safe while we work to nourish the world. We care about our teammates – their safety remains our focus.”
The employee, whose identity is not being released by the company, had not been working in recent days and was self-quarantined during the company’s detailed COVID-19 screening process.
Earlier in April, Cargill suspended operations at its case-ready meat plant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, citing the need to keep workers healthy as the Hazleton community had already “been greatly impacted by COVID-19.”
Cargill, which is the third-largest turkey company in the United States, stated that even though its services have been deemed essential, it would only operate its facilities if it can do so safely.
Safety measures in place
Cargill said that as it continues its work to keep people fed at this critical time, it is emphasizing protecting the health of its employees and preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Cargill, in its statement, said it is working closely with local health officials to ensure appropriate prevention, testing, cleaning, and quarantine protocols are followed within company facilities. Beginning weeks ago, Cargill has taken extra precautions to support our workers, including:
- Enforcing a mandatory 14-day quarantine for employees who have tested positive for or been exposed to COVID-19, as well as any employees who may have come into contact with any team member who has tested positive for the virus;
- Temperature testing;
- Providing face masks;
- Enhancing the cleaning and sanitizing of our facilities;
- Prohibiting visitors from entering our facilities;
- Offering staggered breaks and shift flexibility for employees;
- Increasing distancing between employees; and
- Communicating the importance of social distancing at home and at work as well as the importance of quarantining and return-to-work timing.
These measures have been the new norm within the Dayton turkey plant for nearly a month, the company said. Cargill will continue to adjust these policies and procedures as necessary, and in consultation with public health officials, to ensure that the plant and its employees are protected with the highest possible safety standards.
“Our employees are working hard to take care of the nation, so we are taking extra steps to care of them and their families. In addition to the health and safety measures mentioned above, we are offering enhanced benefits for our employees, including providing up to 14 days of additional paid leave for COVID-19 related needs. We care deeply about our co-workers and the communities where we live and work,” the company stated.
View our continuing coverage of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.
