CORVALLIS, Ore. – At least nine employees at Stahlbush Island Farms in the Corvallis area tested positive for coronavirus, the Oregon Health Authority said in its weekly report.
The most recent cases were detected on July 30, according the report which was released on Wednesday. Workplace outbreaks are required to be reported publicly when there are five or more cases.
Capt. Michelle Duncan of the Linn County Sheriff's Office, acting as spokesperson for the health department, confirmed the outbreak and said Stahlbush Island Farms began preparing for this possibility before any tests came back positive.
“They actually contacted the health department in an effort to be proactive and prepare themselves for any kind of positive test,” Duncan said.
Duncan said the company also implemented several precautions prior to the outbreak, including forming employees into cohorts, obtaining rapid testing capabilities and providing personal protective equipment to employees.
According to the company’s website, Stahlbush cultivates 5,000 acres in Oregon and supplies quick-frozen fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes. The company did not return a request for comment.
