Coronavirus Outbreaks Surge Among Oregon Food Processors, State Scrambles to React

Coronavirus outbreaks at food processors and agricultural sites have infected more than 600 workers and close contacts in Oregon and Southwest Washington since mid-April, with recent outbreaks at companies in Vancouver and Newport infecting well over 100 people apiece.

Such mass workplace outbreaks have contributed to a recent spike in Oregon’s COVID-19 cases. And that rise in infections was among several markers that prompted Gov. Kate Brown to pause the state’s reopening plans on June 11, threatening the pace of Oregon’s economic recovery from the pandemic.

State health authorities didn’t issue a “playbook” on how to respond to outbreaks at food processing sites until early June, more than three months after Oregon detected its first coronavirus cases. They didn’t send operational guidance to all employers until the beginning of June, either.

Share on Socials!

Related Articles

Related Articles

Safety Matters Program Raises Awareness of Workplace Safety Among Teen Workers

American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) urges all employers to adhere to child labor laws As some states reexamine their child labor laws in light of continuing ...
Read More

A+A 2023 Online Exhibitor Registration Open

Exhibitor applications for A+A 2023, International Trade Fair with Congress for Safety, Security and Health at Work, are now available online at www.aplusa-online.com. Hall planning for ...
Read More

Invest in an ACGIH Membership

Get 15 Months for the Cost of 12! Those with 5 years or less of work experience in the field of occupational and environmental health and safety ...
Read More