Coronavirus: More than 100 confirmed cases related to Dole plant in Springfield, health officials say

UPDATE: The Dole plant in Springfield will remain open, despite over 100 employees testing positive for the coronavirus, according to a statement from the company.

In the statement from Director of Corporate Communication for Dole Food Company William Goldfield said additional safety protocols have been implemented at the plant since the outbreak began in late April.

“These additional measures included increasing the distancing and separation of workers in our facility, employing wellness questionnaires and administering temperature checks prior to employee entrance into the facility,” the statement said.

The statement went on to say that the plant has been, “very proactive and continues to work closely and collaboratively with the CCCHD.”

“Of course as an essential business, we are striving to get salads to people around the country, but are focused on providing a safe and healthy workplace for our employees and their respective families,” the statement said. “The safety of our employees, contractors, families, communities and products remains Dole’s top priority.”

FIRST REPORT: Confirmed cases of the coronavirus related to the Dole Fresh Vegetables plant in Springfield are "over 100," according to the Clark County Combined Health District.

Emma Smales, CCCHD spokesperson, said the district is still waiting on some results from testing that took place on Saturday, however, as of Tuesday afternoon cases are over 100.

Smales said the district is still working on confirming an exact number of cases.

“It’s hard to give a hard number at this point,” Smales said.

On Saturday, the district tested every employee at the plant.

MORE: Clark County health officials say cases at Dole came from outside work

The first positive coronavirus test at Dole was detected on April 22.

The Springfield News-Sun has reached out to Dole and is awaiting a response.

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