Two employees at the Foster Farms poultry facility in Farmerville have tested positive for COVID-19 according to a company spokesperson.
Foster Farms was informed of the positive cases Thursday. In a noon update from the Louisiana Department of Health, Union Parish cases remained stationary at two. It is unclear if the plant cases are new cases at this time.
Foster Farms said it has taken immediate steps to protect plant employees.
Following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidance, coworkers designated within close proximity to the diagnosed employees have been contacted, advised to self-quarantine and to seek medical attention if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.
Enhanced sanitation and cleaning are underway, augmenting the daily sanitation that is performed under USDA supervision.
Foster Farms said it plans to ensure the diagnosed and quarantined employees are compensated for their time away from work.
The company also noted the CDC has seen no evidence that COVID-19 is transmitted through food. Foster Farms’ standard operating practices include the complete sanitation of plants for USDA review and approval each day.
Rigorous personal hygiene measures and both the frequency and monitoring of handwashing have been increased since March 3.
The company said additional details regarding the workers would not be provided out of respect for employee privacy.
