The Tyson pork plant in Columbus Junction is extending its suspension on operations due to the coronavirus outbreak and employees testing positive for COVID-19.
Fresh Meats Manager of Communications Liz Croston tells KWQC that protecting team members continues to be top priority for them. "As we continue assessing the situation at our Columbus Junction pork facility, and partnering with our local health department, we will extend the suspension of operations for this week. We will continue to pay our Columbus Junction team members while they are out and will also continue to divert livestock originally scheduled for delivery to Columbus Junction to our other pork plants, where possible."
Croston says they are working to protect their team members across the company during the "ever-changing situation" while also ensuring Tyson continues to fulfill their critical role of helping feed those across the country. "We’ve been checking worker temperatures, providing face coverings and initiating additional cleaning. We’ve implemented social distancing measures, such as installing workstation dividers and providing more breakroom space. We relaxed our attendance policy in March to encourage workers to stay at home when they’re sick. We’ve also been educating team members on COVID-19, including the importance of following CDC guidelines away from work."