A spokesperson for Tyson Fresh Meats has confirmed that some of the employees at their plant in Perry have tested positive for COVID-19.

Tyson Communications Manager Liz Croston didn’t disclose how many confirmed cases there have been due to privacy reasons. However, she tells Raccoon Valley Radio that corporate ownership emphasized they’re working to protect employees during the viral outbreak, with measures such as taking temperatures of each person before they start their shift. Croston said they’ve also been providing face coverings, spending more time cleaning and sanitizing, and implementing physical distancing at work stations. She pointed out that they’ve relaxed their attendance policy to encourage workers to stay home when sick.

According to the latest report from the Iowa Department of Public Health, there have been 44 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Dallas County, though it’s unknown if that includes the recently revealed infection at the Perry Tyson plant. Earlier this week, two Tyson employees who worked at the Columbus Junction plant died from the virus, and many more at that location tested positive over the last few weeks. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information on this situation as it develops.