Tyson Foods, Walla Walla County Department of Community Health, and Providence St. Mary Medical Center Share Covid-19 Testing Results at Pasco, WA Plant

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) and the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health (DCH), in collaboration with Providence St. Mary Medical Center, have disclosed the results of comprehensive COVID-19 testing at Tyson's beef plant in Pasco, Washington. The plant had temporarily ceased operations for thorough cleaning and sanitization. Out of the 1,482 employees and non-Tyson personnel at the facility, 277 tested positive for the virus. More than half of those who tested positive were asymptomatic and would not have been identified otherwise. The total includes 126 individuals who tested positive through their own healthcare providers, and an additional 151 cases identified through the facility-wide testing. Employees who test positive are granted paid leave and can only return to work once they meet the criteria set by the CDC and Tyson. Tom Brower, Senior Vice President of Health and Safety for Tyson Foods, emphasized the company's commitment to the health and safety of its employees. He appreciated the support of the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health and Providence St. Mary Medical Center in providing testing and supplementing Tyson's existing prevention measures. Tyson will continue to disclose verified test results at other plants to health and government officials, employees, and stakeholders as part of its efforts to help communities better understand and prevent the spread of the virus. Large-scale testing at the Pasco facility was conducted from April 24 to April 25, during which the plant was temporarily closed for deep cleaning and sanitization. More than half of those who tested positive are considered to have recovered. Through its partnership with Matrix Medical, Tyson provides its employees with daily clinical symptom screenings, access to nurse practitioners, and enhanced education. The company has also implemented protective measures that meet or exceed CDC and OSHA guidelines for preventing COVID-19. Tyson has increased short-term disability coverage to 90% of normal 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.