We have 1500 team members and 60 something locations. The policy changes and procedure development have been constant. Forgive me if this isn't all 100% stated perfectly -
We implemented a $2/hr bonus for all people at facilities in states with shelter in place policies.
Keeping people away if they are at all ill, while removing any fear of economic consequences has bee challenging. We suspended our attendance policy. If you want to stay home voluntarily you can use your PTO. After PTO runs out you either need to produce a doctors not(which you can get through our tele-doc program) or just continue to stay home. If you elect to stay home you would not be terminated, but would be eligible for unemployment under CARES. If you get the doc note for cause we provide pay for two weeks and they you are eligible for our short term disability program. If you get COVID or are quarantined, you first use your PTO and then we continue straight time pay until you can return to work.
We implemented a pre-work wellness check and questionnaire with a temperature check.
We slowed lines down where appropriate and implemented distancing procedures. Those included additional break spaces, physical barriers between work stations, adding additional automation, and crew rotation schedules. Masks are required.
We use backpack electrostatic sanitizer applicators in all plant work spaces on regular intervals.
About 724 other things that I'm leaving out for brevity. All of these things need to have procedures written, checked by legal, cost analysis done, supplies ordered, and approval by regulators. It all takes time, and money. The cost for all the above is easily in the millions.
So far we have only had one positive case. However, due to the nature of the timing it caused us to put 36 other people in quarantine from work for 14 days. 36 people who were gathering eggs after we had a devastating fire last week. We now have testing available and are trying to figure out how to best deploy it. We have both PCR and Elisa which will allow us to group our team members into one of four catagories -
1. Not shedding, and never been exposed. Can be at work, but high risk.
2. Currently shedding, but no detectable antibodies. Early stage infection. Best to quarantine for 14 days.
3. Currently shedding, and detected antibodies. Later state infection. Might be able to return to work with mask per CDC guidelines
4. Not currently shedding, and detected antibodies. Was infected and now healthy. Clear to be at work.
All while remembering that the birds have to be fed and the eggs gathered every day. No exceptions.
This is all easier said than done. It's not rocket surgery, but it ain't easy either.
