Four at grocer's distribution facility test positive for virus
A Giant Eagle facility located on Lovi Road in Freedom, Beaver County, confirmed at least four employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
Located just outside Cranberry Township, the fresh foods manufacturing and distribution facility makes the ready-made foods, like rotisserie chicken, soups, fresh cut fruit, side dishes and other Giant Eagle brand food items that are then delivered to local stores and GetGo markets.
According to a statement issued by the company, the USDA-certified facility continues to follow guidelines set by the USDA, as well as following safety guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Beaver County Health Department.
“The company is ensuring that these team members are cared for, and in each instance has taken steps to thoroughly sanitize all potentially affected work areas,” Giant Eagle said in a statement released Monday.
The statement further said the company notified and tested other employees who may have been in close contact with infected co-workers.
“The Company will continue to closely monitor all activities at its Freedom facility and will consider additional operational steps as more is learned,” the statement said.
About 400 employees work at the 171,000-square-foot building. Since May 8, the facility has been screening the temperature of employees before they enter the building.
“Giant Eagle has undertaken numerous safety and sanitization practices at its Freedom facility since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement said.
The statement detailed safety measures including wearing masks, continual sanitization, revising work schedules for social distancing purposes and installing protective screens to separate employees in the manufacturing area.
“The health, safety and well-being of all team members and guests remains Giant Eagle’s top priority,” the statement said. “Importantly, the Centers for Disease Control continues to state that there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food or food packaging.”
