We’re tracking COVID-19 outbreaks at Idaho food and meatpacking plants around the state
Coronavirus outbreaks in Idaho’s agricultural sector continue across the state, particularly in the Magic Valley region.
At least 10 employees at Gem State Processing in Heyburn and 23 employees at the Falls Brand plant in Twin Falls have tested positive for coronavirus, according to the South Central Public Health District based in Twin Falls. As of Aug. 5, one individual at Gem State Processing and seven people linked to the Falls Brand outbreak were still being monitored by the health district.
These are only the latest identified coronavirus outbreaks at food processing facilities and meatpacking plants of at least 11 across Idaho. Most of the known outbreaks have centered in Magic Valley facilities, like Gem State Processing and Falls Brand.
Like others across the country, Idaho’s meatpacking and food processing plants are staffed mostly by Latinos and immigrants from other countries. Health officials, particularly in South Central Public Health District, have speculated the outbreaks are partially driving a disproportionate rate of coronavirus infection among Latinos in Idaho.
Food processing plants and meatpacking plants across the country have proven to be potent coronavirus incubators — and sometimes deadly. Thousands of workers in U.S. meatpacking plants and food processing companies across the country have contracted coronavirus, according to The Associated Press, and many have died.
The Idaho Statesman has yet to confirm any deaths linked to similar outbreaks in Idaho facilities.
The Idaho Statesman is using a new interactive map online to track and report COVID-19 outbreaks in food processing facilities and meatpacking plants across the state. As farms begin preparing for harvest and more workers head to the fields, the Idaho Statesman is also tracking large clusters of illnesses among farmworkers and agricultural laborers.
Data about facility and business outbreaks included on this map are the cumulative positive cases at each facility since March, as provided and verified by each facility’s regional health district. Sometimes, the case numbers provided by the company are higher than those provided by the health district, because workers at the facility live in a different district. In that case, this map will use the company’s count. At some locations, all employees have recovered, while others may still have sick employees.
Right now, Idaho health districts do not proactively release information about outbreaks or clusters of coronavirus cases among employees of food processing facilities, meatpacking plants or farms. This information is collected via regular public record requests made to Idaho health districts, and often prompted by anonymous tips about specific facilities.
Do you know about a COVID outbreak in Idaho’s agricultural sector that’s not on our map? Do you work at a food processing or meatpacking plant and want to share your story? Contact the reporter at nfoy@idahostatesman or 208-377-6347.
There are many ways you can securely send tips and information to the Idaho Statesman’s investigative team. Learn more here.
This story was originally published August 10, 2020 at 4:00 AM.
