Positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the Tyson Fresh Meats plant in Perry, and Mayor John Andorf is requesting the facility temporarily close as a precaution.

Tyson Communications Manager Liz Croston didn’t disclose how many confirmed cases there have been due to privacy reasons. Regardless of the number, though, Andorf said he’d like the corporation to err on the side of caution so as to protect the other workers as well as the Perry community at large. Croston pointed out 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. Additionally, they’ve been providing face coverings, spending more time cleaning and sanitizing, and implementing physical distancing at work stations.

However, Andorf felt it would be safer to shut the plant down for a short period of time to allow a thorough cleaning of the facility to take place, and to also allow any infected workers more leeway to stay away. There have been over 40 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.