A spokesman for Wayne Farms in Albertville has confirmed that 75 employees of the plant have tested positive for coronavirus, and one has died; furthermore, an additional 250 may have been exposed and are in quarantine as a precaution.

Wayne Farms spokesman Frank Singleton says the plant – which has over 800 employees – will slow production to improve safety and allow their employees to stand far enough apart to prevent transmission of the virus.  Singleton said there are no plans to close the plant.  Cleaning crews have been inside treating the affected areas and infrared scanners are being used to check temperatures as employees enter the plant.  Singletton went on to say that every employee coming into the plant is being provided with a face mask and personal protective equipment, and anyone showing symptoms goes home for 14 days.

Outbreaks of COVID-19 have been reported at meat processing plants around the country –  including one in South Dakota that sickened hundreds of workers just last week.  It was the country’s largest COVID-19 hot spot, forcing the plant’s closure.

Plant closures could threaten the food supply. Singleton said Wayne Farms is taking several steps to reduce transmission and protect workers.

(AL.COM/www.al.com)