Fruit processor reopening after virus outbreak infected 132

VANCOUVER – Firestone Pacific Foods in Vancouver, Washington, has started reopening after a coronavirus outbreak infected 132 people and forced the fruit processor to halt operations.

The company reopened last week after the Clark County public health department approved it, the Oregonian reported. A Firestone spokesperson says the company plans to ramp up production as more employees return from mandatory 14-day quarantine periods and receive safety training.

Clark County’s public health department has linked 132 coronavirus cases to the company since May 23, making it the largest known workplace outbreak in the Portland area.

As of Monday morning, 79 employees and another 53 people identified as close contacts of those employees had tested positive for COVID-19. A total of 173 employees and 155 close contacts have been tested.