COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency issued a news release Tuesday afternoon which explained a recent spike in Branch County COVID-19 cases.
The statement issued by both the CHA and Maroa Farms came after 57 new Branch County cases were reported by the CHA in its daily web site update Sunday.
It said Maroa Farms recently took the proactive step of conducting mass testing of onsite workers, in order to identify any workers that may have COVID-19 but were not showing symptons.
The company says they were able to identify and separate those testing positive for COVID-19, to help prevent further spread.
Maroa Farms has a 2.2 million-square foot greenhouse in Coldwater that grows fresh produce year-round.
CHA Health Officer Rebecca Burns says, “we have been working closely with Maroa Farms and appreciate their continued efforts in protecting their workers. The proactive approach they have taken ensures that they can maintain a steady supply of fresh, nutritious food to our communities, and further supports the re-opening efforts in Michigan.”
Working closely with the CHA during the Coronavirus pandemic, the farm implemented a number of measures to protect employees and farmworkers.
They conducted daily temperature and health screenings at the beginning of each shift for onsite essential workers who are unable to work remotely.
Proper hygiene was enforced along with the installation of additional hand sanitizing stations throughout the farm.
There was also increased cleaning and sanitizing of all facilities while shifts and break times were staggered.
Required distances between workers was also established along with the use of masks, face coverings and plexiglass separation.
Safety measures were also undertaken for any workers being housed onsite.
Testing was conducted using a professional health testing provider. All results were reported to Public Health and those workers testing positive were told to self-isolate in accordance with CDC guidelines.
The CDC and the Federal Drug Administration continue to say there is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted through food.
For additional information, visit www.bhsj.org or follow the CHA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BHSJCHA.
