Fresno, Calif., Sept. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Foster Farms is committed to the health and welfare of its employees as it continues to respond to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has completed extensive COVID-19 testing of workers at its turkey processing facilities in Stanislaus County and at its chicken processing facilities in Fresno County. A total of 6,314 COVID-19 tests were administered to 3,405 workers, the vast majority being tested twice within a seven-day time span, marking the continuation of one of the most comprehensive and rapid testing efforts undertaken in California. Previously, Foster Farms had conducted similar testing at its Livingston chicken processing plant. All major California processing facilities have now been tested, and in all instances the prevalence of COVID-19 has been found to be less than 1%. The few employees who did test positive have been advised to self-isolate and will receive all appropriate medical benefits; they have our hopes for a quick recovery.
Stanislaus County Testing Results
Foster Farms maintains two turkey processing plants and associated facilities in the city of Turlock, located in Stanislaus County. Between Sept 3 and Sept 11, the company conducted two rounds of COVID-19 testing among workers. A total of 2,134 tests were completed with an overall COVID-19 prevalence level of less than 1%. The Turlock facilities employ a total of 1,199 workers. The Turlock Turkey Distribution Center, a support facility with 30 employees, recorded a single positive, and therefore a slightly higher rate of 3.33%. Concurrent with the progressive lifting of COVID-19 restrictions following Memorial Day and July 4 in California and Stanislaus County, the Turlock facilities experienced an increase in COVID-19 positive cases. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic Foster Farms Turlock facilities have reported 75 COVID-19 positive cases, with 43 individuals having already returned to work.
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