Remaining test results from tyson plant to be released this week

The results of 38 pending COVID-19 test results from workers and inspectors at the Wallula, WA Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. plant will be released later this week, according to an email from the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health on Monday, May 11.

The last update from the DCH about the plant dated May 4, 2020 reported that 1,258 Tyson employees and 19 USDA inspectors have been tested, 1,239 test results have been received and 147 workers have tested positive. Workers at the plant reside in multiple counties including Walla Walla, Benton, Franklin and Umatilla.

A joint statement from Tyson Fresh Meats and Walla Walla DCH on Tuesday, May 5 announced the plant was resuming production after a brief shutdown. The plant announced the use of infrared thermometers to check workers temperatures before entering the plant, the distribution of protective facial coverings, the availability of wellness checks and the use of dedicated social distance monitors throughout the facility.

Tyson employees who tested positive will only return to work once they have met the criteria outlined by the CDC for safely returning employees. Employees who have not been tested or results are still pending will be unable to return to work, and all new hires will be tested prior to starting work.