Testing of Tyson employees complete

PASCO, Wash.-- Nearly 1,500 workers at the Tyson beef packing plant in Wallula have been tested for COVID-19, with 277 employees testing positive for the virus.

According to a press release from Arkansas-based Tyson, 126 workers tested positive after experiencing symptoms and seeking medical treatment, while 151 tested positive after the whole plant was tested, and never experienced any symptoms.

Three employees have died from complications related to the virus.

The plant was idled while workers were tested starting on April 24, 2020, and Tyson officials say the facility was cleaned and sanitized while awaiting results.

More than half of the workers who tested positive are considered recovered, and allowed to resume working.

Tyson has hired a vendor to provide on-site medical screening, including temperature checks, and provide face masks, in addition to implementing new social distancing measures, and providing tents for workers to take breaks.