Poultry Plant Closed For Cleaning After Outbreak

A poultry processing plant with ties to a regional COVID-19 outbreak is temporarily closed. 

Tyson has two such plants in Wilkesboro. One of them will be closed until Tuesday, while the other one is operating on normal hours. Combined, about 3,000 people work there.

The facility is being closed for a deep cleaning prompted by the outbreak.

Meat processing plants across the country have become coronavirus hotspots.

A spokesman for the plant wouldn't say how many employees had contracted COVID-19. Last week Wilkes County leaders reported that a majority of its nearly 200 cases can be traced back to the plant.

Officials in nearby counties including Forsyth and Yadkin also say the Wilkes outbreak contributed to the number of cases there.   

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.