OAKWOOD, GA. – Wayne Farms LLC confirmed on April 15 that employees at five of its 11 prepared food production facilities and two of its 17 hatcheries and feed mills have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Wayne Farms said it is emphasizing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), frequent handwashing, social distancing and other precautions as directed by public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The company said it created a COVID-19 task force to deal with the outbreak in February, which included implementing several operational changes and requirements that are standard across the industry now.

The poultry producer has started implementing infrared temperature checks for anyone entering the facility and installed 1,300 protective workstation dividers in difficult places to social distance in the plant.

Employees are encouraged to wear personal face masks. The company plans to provide free facial coverings/masks where supplies are available.

Any employee that tests positive is removed from the workplace and quarantined on paid medical leave until they receive medical clearance to return. This also includes any employee who was in direct contact with someone who tested positive. They are also removed from work on paid leave and go into a required quarantine period.