HIGH RIVER, ALBERTA – Cargill confirmed its beef processing facility in High River, Alberta, recently had another coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

According to multiple media reports and Alberta Health, 11 new cases were linked to the plant and seven remain active as of Feb. 5. In an email to MEAT+POULTRY on Feb. 8, the company said it had six employees who have recently tested positive and were receiving proper medical treatment.

“We continue to learn how to help slow the spread of the virus and are working with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to add safety measures as they become available to safeguard our valued co-workers,” said Daniel Sullivan, Cargill spokesperson. “We are working with AHS to offer testing to employees who have been identified as having close contact. We also continue to work closely with health officials to ensure effective prevention, cleaning and quarantine protocols are followed within our facilities and beyond.”

During a previous outbreak earlier in the pandemic, health officials in Alberta found at least 950 people working at the plant that were positive with COVID-19.

At the peak of the first outbreak, Cargill was forced to temporarily reduce shifts and close the plant after guidance from Albert Health Services.  

The company said the High River facility has 2,000 total employees.