LAUREL, MISS. — Fifteen Sanderson Farms, Inc. employees tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), said Joe F. Sanderson Jr., chairman and chief executive officer, during a conference call on April 2. The poultry processor said another 36 people are awaiting test results.
As of April 1, 204 employees were under home quarantine after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and 152 people have recovered and returned to work, Mr. Sanderson said. On March 23, Sanderson Farms announced that its first employee tested positive with COVID-19.
Additionally, the company is directing 415 employees at its Moultrie, Ga., processing plant to quarantine at home with pay for 14 days, Mr. Sanderson said. Many of the employees live in Dougherty County, Ga., which has seen a spike in cases recently. The plant is now running at half of its average capacity.
Any person who exhibits symptoms will be sent home with pay, Mr. Sanderson said.
The company also is taking the temperature of anyone entering its facility. Any person who has a temperature higher than 100° F is asked to see a health care provider.
In late March, Sanderson Farms stated that it would implement a temporary weekly attendance bonus for employees, equivalent to $1 an hour for each hour worked. The incentive began on March 30 and ends June 26.