42 Farbest Huntingburg employees found to have Covid-19; company announces testing of all employees
Farbest Huntingburg announced that after a number of employees tested positive for Covid-19, the company will be testing all employees at the facility.
“At this time, there are 42 confirmed cases at Farbest’s Huntingburg plant, and we are striving to contain that number,” Farbest President Ted Seger stated in a press release. “It is based on this expert input that we are partnering with Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Dubois County Health Department to test all employees at the Huntingburg facility on Friday, May 15.”
According to the statement, local and state health department authorities do not believe the spread is occurring within the plant at this time and the testing is out of an overabundance of caution.
It was a unanimous decision from all parties involved in order to protect Farbest employees and the people in our community from further exposure, Seger added.
The goal of testing every individual is to identify the asymptomatic positive employees and have them self-quarantine at home for ten days. This will further protect the workforce and community health.
The plant will still run as scheduled Friday, May 15th and Saturday, May 16th but will be closed Monday, May 18th and Tuesday, May 19th.
The company informed employees that if they do not get tested through them, they must show proof of testing from another source before they will be allowed to return to work.
More details in English and Spanish can be found here, https://farbestfoods.com/farbest-foods-response-to-covid-19/.
Full Statement from Ted Seger below.
Because of the nature of Farbest’s business with live turkey operations and processing turkey meat, it falls into the category of “Essential Business Functions” according to the United States government and as a result, has remained in production in every aspect during the COVID-19 pandemic. Farbest proudly owns that responsibility, and our workforce has risen to the incredible challenge of producing a quality source of protein for our family and friends around the world during this time. The focus on safety of our employees has been ingrained in our culture for years before COVID-19, and that commitment has not wavered. As a company, we have been taking a multitude of precautions to protect our people beginning as early as mid-March, weeks before there were any confirmed cases in the counties we operate in.
Our message to employees has always been consistent—to stay home if sick and to make decisions that prioritize health and wellbeing. Again, weeks before there were any confirmed positive cases in our area, we had deployed an extensive procedure in the event of a confirmed positive case for identifying and monitoring the health of those deemed to be close contacts. We have adhered to, and in many cases exceeded, CDC guidelines for the protection of essential workers. Farbest processes and plans have been approved by the Indiana State Department of Health and the Dubois County Health Department.
For a complete list of actions taken, please visit https://farbestfoods.com/farbest-foods-response-to-covid-19/. It has been the company’s mission to learn from others in the industry and to follow local, state, and national guidance. Farbest has cooperated with and sought the advice from our local and state health departments and hospitals daily.
It is based on this expert input that we are partnering with Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Dubois County Health Department to test all employees at the Huntingburg facility on Friday, May 15th. At this time, there are 42 confirmed cases at Farbest’s Huntingburg plant, and we are striving to contain that number.
Testing all employees at the Huntingburg plant is out of an overabundance of caution, as local and state health authorities do not believe there is spread of COVID-19 occurring within the plant at this time. It was a unanimous decision from all parties involved in order to protect Farbest employees and the people in our community from further exposure.
The goal of testing every individual is to identify the asymptomatic positive employees and have them self-quarantine at home for ten days. This will further protect the workforce and community health.
We are thankful for the heroes that work at Farbest—our nurses and our workforce made up of essential employees. We are also thankful for the joint guidance and resources from Memorial Hospital, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Dubois County Health Department. We hope for a full recovery for those affected and wish good health to our team and their families as we progress through testing.
The story originally stated health officials did not believe there was a spread outside of the plant. This was a mistake on the Dubois County Free Press’s misreading of the statement from Mr. Seger and has been corrected.
sad to hear that the “trump virus” is obviously out of control even where we live, in the middle of nowhere. I am so sick of winning.
And it’s the “Trump Virus” why? Because he understands that we can’t shut down our supply chains and leave everyone without food? Really?
He’s been following your buddy Fauci’s advice this whole time. You know, the man who a couple of months ago said this virus is nothing to worry about, go about your life, don’t wear a mask, etc. The only mistake Trump made was listening to a doctor that was spewing things that he knew nothing about.
You both need to shut and move on..
Talk about spewing things the he know nothing about.
“We have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. It’s going to be just fine.” – Trump
“Looks like by April, you know, in theory, when it gets a little warmer, it miraculously goes away.” – Trump
“The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. … Stock Market starting to look very good to me!” – Trump
“It’s going to disappear. One day, it’s like a miracle, it will disappear.” – Trump
“We’re prepared, and we’re doing a great job with it. And it will go away. Just stay calm. It will go away.” – Trump
Here is the truth, WE have nothing under control, but God does. He alone is sovereign over us.
Don’t look to President Trump for a miracle, look to God.
Believing in this, “We’re prepared, and we’re doing a great job with it. And it will go away. Just stay calm. It will go away.” – Trump is not the truth.
This virus will go “away” in God’s timing not ours. Believing in God is what brings me peace, comfort, and calmness during times like this.
Actually, it was Trump who assured the nation that this was nothing to worry about–even as experts at the CDC and NIH and elsewhere were sending up warning flares that this was a very real threat. It’s flu, Trump said. 10 people infected; soon it will be zero. The numbers are going down, not up. It will just magically go away when the weather gets warm. Maybe we could just use a bright light or some sort of cleaner to eradicate it. Sounds interesting, Trump said. Or better yet, give hydroxychloroquine a try; what do you have to lose? The tests are beautiful (even as they were malfunctioning and giving false negatives 15-35% of the time). Tests are available for anyone who wants one (if you happen to work at the White House). Tests are over-rated, Trump decided after staffers “suddenly” tested positive. We’ll have a vaccine very soon, we were told (Operation Warp Speed). Now Trump states we may not even need one (let Covid-19 just “wash over” the country, while alarming numbers of Americans continue to become infected and die).
Sadly, we are fighting two wars in America: a deadly virus, and an even deadlier assault on science and the truth.
I guess all the quotes from the dem leadership in New York (the nations leader in cases/deaths), and in northern California are ok? You really think that those who do not follow a narrow minded political party doctrine can’t see the total hypocrisy? How many deaths are you lay at the feet of the dem leadership, I mean if we are going to at least try to be honest about it? I personally don’t blame anyone, this has been from the very beginning unchartered waters but that still doesn’t stop the Monday morning quarterbacks. Truth be told no one will know the true effects of all these decisions for 6 months or better.
Looks life Jeffy is back out of granny’s basement again. Did she finally get tired of you? Let me guess, you told her you weren’t going to bring you dirty dishes upstairs again and she kicked you out? Now what? How are you going to learn life skills? I doubt there is much call for professional couch sitters.
If and when you ever do grow up, you can join us at the big people table and join in conversations like a big boy.
Michael, if you believe ad hominem (attacking the poster instead of defending your position against his) is a valid tactic of persuasion, you are mistaken. The irony of your saying Jeff should grow up and join the adults at the table is completely lost on you.
They are full of turkey drippings if they believe that these 42 active cases are not a result of being exposed to each other. 42 is to high of a number to be a coincidence – you are going to say that these 42 cases had no contact with each other at any time when they were in the work facility or that they did not frequent the same areas that the others did – highly unlikely. Either the people were not following social distancing guidelines, not using PPE correctly or the facility itself was not cleaned/sanitized correctly to prevent the spread from one person to another. Are they not checking employees for symptoms when they come in to work on a daily basis? Temporal checks? Making them wash hands before entering the building, ensuring PPE is worn correctly, etc. They believe the spread is not occurring inside the facility – turkey feathers! Of corse it is spreading inside the facility, if they said the suspected it was they would have to take ownership for not acting sooner. Shame.
This is pretty much the only comment of any value here.
There needs to be a review of if Farbest genuinely did what they could to prevent the virus from spreading. There won’t be because corporations can do no wrong, but it would be nice if a company that cut corners on it’s workers safety was held accountable.
You forget that Farbest is a ‘cut above’ nearly every other similar industry/facility with multiple infections…THEY are the ones that stepped up and reported/outed themselves – ! The health dept wasn’t going to do it unless they made an exception here (only because Farbest has revealed) – no, they just usually issue a robotic form-statement about privacy and washing hands while they hide behind HIPAA (which prohibits only personal/individual ID). It’s likely that there are indeed other large facilities with multiple infections – there was 11 reported just the other day 8 before that – but that aren’t willing to “come clean” in the interest of transparency for the public good and safety. And they know they don’t have to because the health dept won’t reveal them – cowards, all. Bravo, Farbest Foods.
How can you say “bravo” to Farbest Foods?
They have 42 out of Dubois Counties 68 cases working in their factory. Yet, the employees are still working.
In my opinion the factory should be closed until every employee is tested and the results have come back.
Can anyone else see all the irresponsibility?
We don’t know how many this 42 constitute the numbers the health department has been reporting. We are still waiting on the update from them to determine how many of these cases are Dubois County residents.
Farbest went from having a “small amount” yesterday to accounting for almost 2/3rds of all cases in Dubois county. They are ground zero as far as the local area is concerned.
I do not see the harm in seeing if Farbest did all that they possibly could from keeping it’s staff, it’s community, you and I from danger. If they didn’t, then I’d like to see some repercussions.
The report earlier this week was from May 4.
And the trolling person of the year goes to Jeff …good job
Thanks Rob. I do what I can. I consider myself a Patriot.:-) Trump Virus, Trump Virus, Trump Virus.
Too many people are sick, and too many people are dying of this horrific virus.
It seems like you guys have nothing better to do than bash Trump and each other.
There are seniors who can’t get out, they could use help getting what they need. Community meals on wheels is delivering meals to seniors, they most likely would appreciate extra help.
In other words, there are better ways to spend your time.
Agreed
trump virus is still here. When will it miraculously go away? I’m waiting. lol.
Good thing we have a “wartime president”. Maybe trump can do the “meals on wheels” thing? Might give him something to do that is helpful. But I doubt he can drive a car.
I like balloons and cheese.
Oh, and turtles. Forgot those.
I like turtles, too.
Hello? Imma? YOU HAVE A COMMENT ON THIS ONE!!!!
I did, but they censored it. Thanks for asking.
I’m not a doctor and I don’t play one on television, but there’s no way in Hades that many positives are happening anywhere but within that facility.
Wasn’t really asking but u comment on everything ONLY YOU think is right. Wondering why the cencered you. Ima?
Are these 42 cases part of the 66 that are already confirmed?????? We need to know.
What would you do in this scenario? You work with someone that lives with a FB worker-who may or may not have been tested for the coronavirus. And you’ve been working with them side by side for weeks. This person doesn’t social distance or wear a mask. All these weeks, this individual has not shared the details of their situation (their precious right to privacy!) with their co-workers, several of whom are over the age of 65. Now imagine this person is your supervisor.
Shouldn’t a supervisor have certain responsibilities to co-workers and the company? How do you deal with that?
And what if, within the next few days, they want to re-open their business to the public? Have at it, you decide. Do you want to go into their place of business? Not me, but hey, I am forced to. I have to have a job to pay the bills, even though I’m in shock and ticked off. Isn’t it wonderful, how closed-mouthed someone can be when they want to keep a secret? I’m not knocking FB at all. They have released their info to the public. But what about the rest of the people who aren’t as forthcoming?
God is wonderful, I believe in him with all my heart. But he also gave us free will, common sense and some other important tools, like for instance, a mouth that says “Heck no! That’s crazy, people! ” Common Sense tells me that I’m going to have to leave my hypothetical job to stay safe.
Sigh. Why do people have to put you and others in such a difficult position and be so selfish? The proper authorities have been notified; it will be up to them to put a stop to that nonsense.
The point I’m trying to make is people should be cautious, wear the mask, social distance, etc., because you just don’t know what people are capable of if they want to keep things to themselves. Also, Jeff- you rule dude.
TDS at it’s best, pot calling kettle black, hypocrisy on the left/right calling out the hypocrisy on the right/left, [no! you are, no! you are]. Is the childishness never gonna end. Trump (right) advocating protests bad, Obama (left) advocating protest good. If you haven’t noticed it yet but nobody in D. C. (politicians, R or D) or “ANY” of the mainstream media are telling you the God’s honest truth, just the so called truth that fit’s their respective agendas. Please, here in God’s country the truth is always truth, is always the truth, is always the truth, only the media and Politicians are counting on those gullible or those without a solid sense of direction to swallow the swill.
I have never made a moral, voting, or any critical life decision based on my party affiliation and I hope I never get so narrow minded that I think that any group of single minded people have all the answers.
Have a glorious day and smile every time someone tells you, you shouldn’t, drives them crazy.
God
Family
Country
Vocation
notice what’s missing
Jeff gotta ask, how does it feel having trump living in your head 24/7/365? I mean you wake he’s there, you get in the shower, there he is. When you sit down to eat do you set a place for him, (be courteous) cause you know he is going to be there. I would be willing to bet 20 years from now you and Scott will still be blaming Trump for everything wrong in your life. I, personally, feel extremely sad for folks who have so much hate in there heart for anyone or anything. Please take some time to appreciate on all the good people and things your life that make you smile, I hope you have some, instead of, well you know.
P. S. Yes Jeff, I and a lot of my fellow Americans believe in God. I cannot speak for anyone else but I still support your freedom to believe in what gives you direction, all I ask is that you extend me the same courtesy.
Trump has so much hate in his heart that what scares so many people. How callous he is.Calling people dogs and all kinds of names. Taking kids away from their parents.Destroying the environment Mocking disabled people.Calling Nazis very fine people..He cares more about the mighty dollar than he ever would care about you or me or anyone.I do not see how any true believer could defend Trump’s behavior.
Kate, I didn’t defend anyone, but since when is it ok to hate just because you “believe” some one else does. Just pointing out the hypocrisy/hate/childish behavior from both sides. Hate + hate equals hate all day everyday. Everything you said (always consider your source) you have read (you were never there) and could not swear to any of it in a court of law, that is why these comment sections and social media exist so individuals can swear up, down and sideways that it is all true but put your hand on a bible and all of a sudden it is a completely different story. I was told once by a very smart man “don’t believe any thing you hear and only half of what you see”. Example, all the stories written claiming to know what someone is thinking by taking a few words out of context when the real truth is you can have no idea unless you have walked a mile in their shoes. If it is wrong for one person to do something it is wrong for everyone to do it but this labeling (hate) of persons just because they are registered to vote with this party or that one is so high school, shouldn’t we as adults try to be above some of that? Why is everyone so surprised when they spew hate and then get hate in return?
Why are you so scared, what has change in your life the past 3 years that has caused you to think your life is in danger? All the hate from both sides gives me pause, but scared, really? Doesn’t God love you anymore, doesn’t your family and friends still love you and care about you? Those are the things that would scare me, beyond the love we have for each other everything else is a very distant second.
Have a blessed day. Appreciate/focus on the wonderful things in your life, be thankful, everything else is just noise.
He gets on Tv and says this stuff. I heard him.It came right from his mouth and twitter account. Yes it scares me that someone like him became president of the United States.This guy is a wanna be dictator.He thinks he is above the law.You know what I think alot of people in this country has Jesus in their head but not realy in their heart and that is why this man got elected..I fear for this country .
Who are you that you think you know what’s in my heart or anyone else’s? Hillary is what got this man elected, you know the lesser of two evils and I can tell you after living through a lot of elections these are the two most ill equipped candidates (by a bunch) I have ever seen on a ballot.
Matthew 7:1
Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Sorry you are so afraid, if all this scares you how are you gonna feel when the US becomes a socialist country (see Venezuela) and you can be thrown in prison for saying what you just said.
We will get through this and it will get better.
Hope this helps:
Psalm 23:4-6 King James Version (KJV)
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and wisdom to know the difference.
Clyde,
lol. I didn’t say anything about God. But you obviously voted for this crazy person. So how much have you been winning the last 4 years? trump said we’d be sick of winning. Seems like the country is losing to me.
Stock market was much better from 2009 to 2017, than under big orange’s run. Unemployment rate doesn’t look so good now does it? Farmers are having a rough time of it at least as far as making money goes. Although I will give trump some credit. He did help farmers. The farmers from Brazil. hahhhahahhah! selling those beans to China and making nice money for the good farmers of Brazil. You know those Brazilian farmers are good people. What I am saying is there are good people on both sides; American farmers and the Brazilian farmers.
I am guessing you want me to move to Brazil. HA HA HA.
Really, you are going to blame Trump for what the COVID did, just proving that TDS is real.
I don’t it’s that big of stretch to say the Trump Administration’s response, Trump’s personal undermining of the policies designed to contain the spread and encouraging the protests, have contributed to a much larger amount of cases than there should be.
This article is about 42 employees at Farbest Foods being diagnosed with COVID-19. The article gives us FB Foods plan of action.
Out of 29 comments 17 are hateful and have nothing to do with the Farbest Food employees.
I don’t care what you think about Trump keep your opinion to yourself, I will do the same.
This isn’t a “Trump virus” stop the hate, get over it.
If you can’t get along don’t talk to each, don’t look at each other, and please stop making rude comments to each other. The rest of us don’t want to read them.
I believe it’s Matthew Crane’s place to decide if Mrs. Green is making too many comments. Stop the hate, stop the childish harassment.
Believe me, I’m not perfect I have issues as well.
These comments are supposed to help each other. There not supposed to insult, embarrass, or harass each other.
This comment is meant to help, it’s not a judgment.
Rosemary, exactly my point but yours was much more short and to the point. Thank you for bringing some commonsense to the conversation.
It’s not going to get any better if they are still having big get together on the weekends with multiple families. I see it in the neighborhood on Lincoln Dr in Huntingburg.