Update: COVID-19 Among Workers in Meat and Poultry Processing Facilities ― United States, April–May 2020

July 10, 2020

Waltenburg MA, Victoroff T, Rose CE, et al.

MMWR

Data from 239 affected meat and poultry processing facilities across 23 states was collected through May 31, 2020. 16,233 positive cases and 86 COVID-19 related deaths were identified. Demographic information was collected from workers in 21 states; 87% of cases occurred in racial/ethnic minorities and 46% were aged 40-59 years. Among cases for which symptom status was reported, 12% of workers were asymptomatic or presymptomatic. The study investigators emphasized the importance of workplace-specific interventions and prevention strategies to minimize occupational risk and health disparities among vulnerable populations. Suggested strategies for these facilities include temperature and symptom screening, mandated face coverings, increased COVID-19 education, physical barriers between workers, and the addition of hand hygiene stations.

Waltenburg MA, Victoroff T, Rose CE, et al. Update: COVID-19 Among Workers in Meat and Poultry Processing Facilities ― United States, April–May 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020; 69: 887–92.

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