GREELEY, COLO. – JBS USA stated it has seen an increase in new COVID-19 cases at the beef processing plant in Greeley, Colo.

“We are actively working to limit any potential spread in the workplace,” said JBS Spokesperson Nikki Richardson. “As many Americans are witnessing, the impacts of this variant have been less severe for many, particularly for the vaccinated.” 

JBS noted that its Greeley plant has a vaccination rate of 80% and that 35% of the plant’s workers have received booster shots. 

According to officials with UFCW Local 7, about 40 workers tested positive for COVID-19. 

The facility continues to require face masks, conduct daily health screenings, offer drive-through testing and random surveillance testing while also promoting vaccines. The company said all new hires are required to be vaccinated. 

Richardson said the overwhelming majority of recent cases have been mild or asymptomatic. 

“We are monitoring cases among our workforce and the surrounding community closely, making adjustments to our procedures as necessary to protect the health and safety of our team members,” she said.

A large COVID-19 outbreak was reported at Greeley back in April 2020, forcing the plant to shut down for a few days. The company was later cited by the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for failure to protect employees from COVID.

Employees at the Greeley plant were offered the COVID-19 vaccine in early March 2021 in coordination with National Guard and Colorado Governor Jared Polis.