The number of COVID-19 cases, outbreaks, hospitalizations and deaths associated with meat and poultry processing plants continue to remain very low throughout Virginia. As long as there is community transmission of COVID-19, it is likely that we will continue to see occasional cases in meat and poultry processing plant workers over time.
COVID-19 vaccines are now available that are safe and highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination, combined with other interventions to prevent transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19, such as masking, distancing, frequent hand washing, and staying home when sick or after an exposure, have helped to greatly reduce the rates of COVID-19 observed in this worker population.
With reported cases of COVID-19 cases on the decline and vaccination efforts increasing, the monthly poultry data insights blog is being discontinued. If you have questions about cases of COVID-19 in meat and poultry processing plant workers in your area, please contact your local health department.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccines, visit vaccinate.virginia.gov or call 877-VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682).