PERRY, Iowa - Workers in a third Tyson Foods meat processing have tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus.
The company says there are confirmed cases in Perry, but won't say how many.
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) of Iowa Political Director Joe Henry said in a Facebook post that, "People on the inside indicate 11 cases."
Henry added, "Tyson said it's taking temperatures of employees, providing face coverings, doing additional cleaning and implementing social distancing measures at work stations."
"We relaxed our attendance policy in March to encourage workers to stay at home when they're sick," Tyson said in a statement. "We've also been educating team members on COVID-19, including the importance of following Centers of Disease Control and Prevention guidelines away from work.
Henry told WHO-TV that safety measures taken by Tyson are not enough. “Clearly that is not enough and we know why. It is the speed of the work and lack of separation of the workers," said Henry. "Workers cannot wear masks and work at the same time if the speed of work is so high.”
Tyson’s plant in Columbus Junction confirmed two COVID-19 related deaths and at least 148 positive tests. The plant had been shut down since April 6.
Black Hawk County leaders say many of their 138 cases are connected to the Tyson plant in Waterloo. That's facility is still open.