Coronavirus: Mass testing at Springfield Dole plant reveals around 100 new positive cases

SPRINGFIELD — Mass coronavirus testing conducted at the Springfield Dole vegetable packaging plant last weekend revealed about 100 new COVID-19 cases, according to the Clark County Combined Health District.

>>RELATED: There will be ‘a lot more’ cases not associated with Dole plant outbreak, official says

On Saturday, health officials tested 829 employees at the facility, which revealed about 100 new cases, CCCHD officials told News Center 7′s Jenna Lawson. Before the round of mass testing, 38 cases had been confirmed relating to the plant.

Health officials first announced 22 cases May 19 and 20, all connected to the plant. Fourteen of those positive cases were employees and eight were considered contacts of the employees.

FIRST REPORT: Cases connected to outbreak at Dole packaging plant in Springfield climbs to 22

Dole officials issued a statement Tuesday saying, in part, they are continuing to work with Clark County health officials to protect employees and the community.

“We are being very proactive and continuing to working closely and collaboratively with Clark County Combined Health District to implement their recommendations to protect the wellness of our employees and the community,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “Of course as an essential business we are striving to get salads to people around the country, but are focused first on providing a safe and healthy workplace for our employees and their respective families.”

This is a developing story and we’ll continue to update this page as new details become available.

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