15 employees at Indiana meat packing plant test positive for COVID-19 causing temporary shutdown

LOGANSPORT, Ind. – Tyson Foods Pork Production in Logansport had to temporarily close down production on April 20 for deep cleaning and sanitation following 15 of its employees testing positive for the coronavirus. Workers are back on the job with plexiglass dividers between them and a slower assembly line to keep people apart.

More time clocks were also installed to promote social distancing.

“While we understand the necessity of keeping our facilities operational so that we can continue to feed the nation, the safety of our people remains our top priority,” said Jim Schmitz, Vice President of Pork Production Operations.

Additionally, all Tyson Foods plants now have a skin-temperature monitoring machine to detect if employees come in with a fever using thermal imaging.

“Our plant production areas are sanitized daily to ensure food safety, and we have stepped up deep cleaning and sanitizing of our facilities, especially in employee breakrooms, locker rooms and other areas to protect our team members. We have team members dedicated to constantly wiping down and sanitizing common areas. In some cases, this additional cleaning involves suspending a day of production. We understand everyone, including our team members, is anxious during this challenging time and we’re committed in doing everything to be there for each other as we navigate through this together,” said Schmitz.