Perdue Farms temporarily closed its poultry plant in Milford, Delaware, after learning that two associates at the plant tested positive for COVID-19.
Company spokeswoman Diana Souder told the Cape Gazette that the two employees are in quarantine for 14 days and will still be compensated for their regular wages.
The plant closed on March 30, but was scheduled to reopen the next day, following a “top-to-bottom cleaning.”
Upon learning of the illness of the two employees, Perdue contacted the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, the facility’s wellness staff, the director of operations, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector.
Anyone who may have been in contact with the two employees who tested positive were referred to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding potential exposure to COVID-19.
According to the Delaware Department of Health and and Social Services, there have been 232 total laboratory-confirmed cases in the state since March 11
Earlier COVID-19 case in Georgia
The news of the COVID-19 cases followed an earlier confirmed case of COVID-19 involving one of its employees at the Perdue cook plant in Perry, Georgia, which the company announced on March 28.
The affected worker had been absent for more than a week, due to the illness.
“Our greatest concern is for the health and safety of our associates,” said Perdue Farms Chairman Jim Perdue. “We are committed to supporting them as they remain dedicated to their roles as essential personnel during this uncharted time.”
Other COVID-19 cases affecting meat and poultry industry
Perdue Farms is not the only North American poultry company to report a case of a worker testing positive for COVID-19.
Foster Farms had two associates at its poultry plant in Farmerville, Louisiana, test positive for the coronavirus.
Sanderson Farms reported that one of its workers at its poultry plant in McComb, Mississippi, tested positive.
Meanwhile, in Canada, Olymel temporarily closed its pork plant in Yamachiche, Quebec, for a period of 14 days after nine employees tested positive.
View our continuing coverage of the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.