A large number of positive Coronavirus cases linked to a Wisconsin meat processing facility has caused the state to have its largest one-day total of new cases yet. On Wednesday, state health officials reported 225 additional positive testings--the largest one-day increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases so far--of which 147 were linked to an outbreak at the JBS Packerland plant in Green Bay.
Reports say the cases involved both workers and others who have had contact with those employees.
All 147 cases were confirmed before on-site employee testing started this week, but the health department did not specify how many people were hospitalized because of the outbreak.
The Green Bay facility remains open, despite JBS closing other meat plants in Minnesota and Colorado.
Brown County Public Health Strategist Claire Paprocki said 93 other positive cases were linked to American Foods Group in Green Bay. She says over half of the cases in Brown County are now linked to food plants.
As of Wednesday, Wisconsin had 4,845 positive cases of COVID-19 and 246 confirmed deaths.
Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Beef Council issued a statement on Wednesday saying consumers can be assured that Wisconsin's beef industry remains committed to safe, high-quality products.
"Wisconsin is home to several beef processing plants," said WBC Board President Van Gaffney. "As the beef industry copes with the spread of COVID-19, plants are slowing processing speeds to allow for the distancing of workers and the use of additional protective equipment to keep employees healthy."
He adds that both the USDA and Food and Drug Administration are closely monitoring the situation and continue to remind consumers that the food they purchase is safe.
Source : USAgNet.com