Perdue Halts Work at Plant After COVID-19 Cases EmergePerdue Halts Work at Plant After COVID-19 Cases Emerge

Meat processor Perdue Farms temporarily stopped operations at its Milford, DE poultry plant after two employees contracted the novel coronavirus COVID-19, several local news organizations reported Monday. 

After the employees were diagnosed with the virus, Perdue implemented its pandemic response procedures, company spokesperson Diana Souder told television news station WBOC, including notifying relevant officials and government agencies, interviewing workers to find out where they have been and who they made contact with, and increasing cleaning protocols in the facility. 

“The affected associates are in quarantine for 14 days while still receiving pay and no attendance penalty, and may return to work when approved to do so by a health care provider,” Souder said in an email to the Delaware News Journal.

Perdue closed the Milford plant on Monday to disinfect the facility. Operations are slated to resume at the site on Tuesday. In addition to that, the company put several new procedures in place to protect workers and its products. 

“The company is implementing temperature checks across all facilities and reminding associates to follow the CDC guidelines for proper hygiene,” the spokesperson said in coverage by ABC News affiliate WMDT. 

Last week, workers walked out of a Perdue poultry plant in Kathleen, GA in response to growing concerns about the safety of employees in the facility during the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Kraft Heinz recently temporarily shuttered its warehouse in Springfield, MO for a deep cleaning after two workers there tested positive The company said it will continue to monitor the situation moving forward and urge workers who are feeling sick to seek out medical care. 

For more news headlines, articles, and equipment reviews, visit our Equipment Zones

More Powder & Bulk Solids articles:

Filaments Manufacturer Fined $258K for Machine Hazards

BASF Delays Annual Shareholders' Meeting Due to COVID-19

AkzoNobel Buys Stake in Turkey-Based Powder Coatings JV