Tyson Foods Discloses Covid-19 Testing Results at Chicago, Il Plant

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) is dedicated to sharing test results to ensure the safety of its employees and the community SPRINGDALE, Ark. – June 5, 2020 – Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) today disclosed the outcomes of comprehensive testing for COVID-19 at its steak-cutting facility in Chicago, Illinois. Out of the 240 employees who were tested onsite on May 27, eight tested positive, most of whom were asymptomatic and would not have been detected otherwise. This is in addition to 23 positive cases detected since April among employees tested by the Department of Health or through their personal health care providers. Employees who test positive are granted paid leave during the mandatory quarantine period and are allowed to return to work only after meeting the criteria set by both the CDC and Tyson. The Chicago facility is one of over 40 production facilities in the United States where Tyson is implementing advanced testing capabilities and improved care options onsite for employees in collaboration with Matrix Medical, a top medical clinical services company, and other partners. The company is focusing on communities with a higher incidence of COVID-19 and will evaluate additional needs based on significant risk factors and access to testing. Tyson will share test results at other plants where it is conducting comprehensive testing with health and government officials, employees, and stakeholders as part of its efforts to help affected communities where it operates gain a better understanding of the coronavirus and the preventive measures that can be taken to help curb its spread. “At Tyson, our primary concern is the health and safety of our employees, their families, and the communities in which they live and work,” said Tom Brower, Senior Vice President of Health and Safety for Tyson Foods. “We are utilizing the most current data and resources to support our employees and are dedicated to ensuring they feel safe and secure when they come to work.” Employees at Tyson’s Chicago facility have access to daily clinical screenings, nurse practitioners, and enhanced education. Axiom Medical, a health care case management provider, will also monitor the symptoms of employees who test positive and provide additional care. Tyson has also implemented a range of protective measures that meet or exceed CDC and OSHA guidelines for preventing COVID-19. These include symptom screenings for all employees before every shift, mandatory protective face masks for all employees, and a variety of social distancing measures, including physical barriers between workstations and in break rooms. “Our employees are essential to helping feed the nation, and their health and safety are our top priority,” said Ieon Bhairoo, Plant Manager for Tyson in Chicago. “Sharing our testing results is another measure we are taking to better protect our employees and the Chicago community.” Tyson Foods has increased short-term disability coverage to 90% of regular pay until June 30 to encourage employees to stay home when they are sick. The company has also doubled its “thank you” bonus for its frontline workers. Employees who cannot come to work due to illness or childcare issues related to COVID-19 will continue to qualify. About Tyson Foods Tyson Foods, Inc. is one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized leader in protein. Founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson and grown under three generations of family leadership, the company has a broad portfolio of products and brands like Tyson®, Jimmy Dean®, Hillshire Farm®, Ball Park®, Wright®, Aidells®, ibp® and State Fair®. Tyson Foods continually innovates to make protein more sustainable, tailor food for everywhere it’s available and raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do. Headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, the company has 141,000 employees. Through its Core Values, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity, create value for its shareholders, customers, communities and employees and serve as a steward of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Visit TYSONFOODS.COM. ### Media Contact: ASHLEY LA CROIX, 312-614-8732