COVID-19 outbreak declared at second B.C. poultry plant in December; nine cases reported
Posted December 18, 2020 1:41 am.
Last Updated December 18, 2020 9:39 am.
ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) — A second poultry processing plant in B.C., this time in Abbotsford, is the source of a new COVID-19 outbreak.
Nine staffers at Rossdown Natural Foods at 2325 Bradner Rd. in Abbotsford have tested positive for the virus. They are all self-isolating, according to Fraser Health.
“Public Health has determined it is not necessary to issue a closure order at this time,” Fraser Health says in a release.
Contact tracing efforts are underway and the health authority says anyone in close contact should isolate.
Rossdown’s facilities will remain open and there will not be a recall of any chicken products processed at the site.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has said, “these animals do not spread SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease, to humans, animals or the environment.”
People are encouraged to keep washing their hands after handling raw meat and to cook all meat thoroughly.
Earlier this month, Wingtat Game Bird Packers Inc. at 9752 186 St. in Surrey was also forced to close after 30 staff tested positive.
The company’s main office, packaging, and warehouse facilities remain open.
