The number of positive COVID-19 cases at Firestone Pacific Foods increased to 65 workers, almost doubling the number reported Friday, according to a news release sent by the Fruit Valley fruit processor on Monday.
The company is not aware of any workers being hospitalized as of Monday, according to the news release, and 87 tests have been negative for the virus.
On Friday, public health officials reported that testing had revealed 38 employees at Firestone Pacific Foods, a fruit processing company at 4211 Fruit Valley Road, had contracted the virus. The Washington Joint Information Center said Saturday that the county’s Phase 2 reopening application was delayed.
Firestone learned of the first worker testing positive for COVID-19 on May 17, and management instructed all who were in close contact to self-isolate and get tested. After the company, which employs about 150 people, learned of more positive cases last week, it shut down its production center for a deep cleaning.
