1,2,3; Erin D. Kennedy, DVM1; Colin Basler, DVM1; Michael P. Grant, ScD1; Jesica R. Jacobs, PhD1,4; Dustin Ortbahn, MPH3; John Osburn3; Sharon Saydah, PhD1; Suzanne Tomasi, DVM1; Joshua L.
Clayton, PhD3 (View author affiliations)Persons in congregate work settings are at increased risk for infection with respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2.During March 16–April 25, 25.6% (929) of employees at a meat processing facility in South Dakota and 8.7% (210) of their contacts were diagnosed with COVID-19; two employees died.
The highest attack rates occurred among employees who worked <6 feet (2 meters) from one another on the production line.Implementing control measures before, or soon after, SARS-CoV-2 introduction into meat processing.