44 workers at the Conestoga Meat Packers in Breslau recently tested positive for the coronavirus.

That confirmation coming from Waterloo Region’s acting medial officer of health during a news conference on Friday morning.

12 of the cases are now resolved.

At the start of the month, only 11 workers had tested positive, and the majority of the results came back this week.

Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang noted there was likely transmission in the plant before it was shutdown for one week in late April.

She says an on-site inspection was done last week to ensure the plant was ready to reopen this past Monday, by making sure all recommended measures were in place to prevent the spread of infection.

Dr. Wang also stressed COVID-19  is not a food-borne virus, and the pork products coming from Conestoga Meats are safe.

Conestoga Meat Packers also provided the following statement to 570 NEWS:

Conestoga Meats resumed processing operations on May 4th, following a week of closure.  During the week of closure, activities were centred on enhancing processes, procedures and facilities to provide maximum safety during the pandemic, as our first priority is keeping our employees safe while they are in the workplace.  Region of Waterloo Public Health has noted on their website that “There is broad circulation of COVID-19 in our community. You should assume you could get COVID-19 anywhere in Waterloo Region.” With this as a foundation, Conestoga has taken the view that any team member could be a carrier of COVID-19. 

The company also said protective equipment and procedures have been adjusted accordingly.  

Examples include:

• A review of every production job was completed and protections provided to ensure team member safety in the COVID-19 pandemic
• Eye, nose and mouth covering for every position – all team members wear masks throughout the Conestoga facility
• More than 150 dividers were installed on the plant floor to support physical distancing
• Plexiglass table dividers were installed in all lunch rooms to enhance physical distancing
• Additional cleaning throughout the facility