The revelation that over half of the workers at the Tyson Fresh Meats plant in Perry have contracted COVID-19 at some point during the pandemic has come as a shock to many people.

However, the Dallas County Health Department emphasizes that people should try to keep things in perspective. Public Information Officer Ann Cochran points out that the 730 workers who tested positive is more than the total cases of the virus in Dallas County to date, meaning that many live in neighboring counties. “There’s a few important things for residents of Perry, in particular, to keep in mind. There are many, many people who work at Tyson who do not live in Perry. And when they tested all the employees and they came up with a certain percentage (that) had tested positive, that does not mean that all of those individuals live in Perry. So that’s one thing for people to relax (about), however it is important for us to continue good practices.”

Cochran also says the numbers are likely more spread out than people might think, with much of the workforce already returning to the plant this week no longer showing symptoms. She adds, the Iowa Department of Public Health is working closely with Tyson representatives to improve safety and prevention measures at plants across the state, and testing will continue. To learn more about this and other COVID-19 topics, click the link below to listen to the recent Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Cochran.

https://www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2020/05/06/lets-talk-dallas-county-5-6-2020-ann-cochran/