SPRINGDALE, ARK. – Tyson Foods Inc. shared its latest COVD-19 facility testing results from locations in Benton and Washington Counties in Arkansas.

According to the company, 3,748 workers were tested with 481 people testing positive for COVID-19. Tyson said that 455, or 95%, of the cases were asymptomatic. These numbers are in addition to 212 positive cases among workers that were identified by the Department of Health or from employees’ own health care provider.

As of June 19, Benton and Washington counties reported a 6% and 18% positive rate among individuals tested, respectively.

“The results across our Northwest Arkansas facilities, and the country more broadly, reflect how much is still unknown about this virus, which is why Tyson is committed to providing information to our local health officials and enhanced education to our team members,” said Tom Brower, senior vice president of health and safety for Tyson Foods. “Through our inclusive approach to large-scale testing, we are finding that a very high level of team members who test positive do not show symptoms.”

Brower said identifying asymptomatic cases helps the community, since other testing is often limited to people who feel unwell.

Since the beginning of June, Tyson carried out on-site testing at the following plants in Arkansas: Berry Street, Chick-N-Quick, Tyson Distribution Center, Tyson of Rogers, Randall Road, Fayetteville, Springdale Growout, Gas Company, ITC Hatchery and Johnson Road Mill facilities. 

The company previously said employees who test positive for COVID-19 receive paid leave and may return to work only when they have met the criteria established by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Tyson Foods.