Fraser Valley poultry facility reopens after coronavirus-related closure

Fraser Health announced Tuesday it has rescinded the May 2 closure order at Fraser Valley Specialty Poultry, “as the poultry plant has met the requirements of the order.”

In a statement, Fraser Health said the plant has reopened and is now operating at “a reduced capacity” while “putting measures in place” to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Going forward, Fraser Health said it will continue to work closely with the plant to maintain the health and safety of staff.

• See also:
  • BC health officials announce 53 new coronavirus cases, three more deaths
  • Abbotsford International Airshow officially cancelled for 2020
  • Health officials order Chilliwack poultry plant closed

Fraser Health has also declared COVID-19 outbreaks are over at MSA Manor in Abbotsford and Chartwell Langley Gardens in Langley.

“With the implementation of comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to COVID-19 in long term care, assisted living and independent living facilities, there are no longer any COVID-19 cases at these sites,” the health authority said in a statement.

Prior to this, Fraser Health said officials “took a number of actions to support each site during their outbreak.”

With the support of a SWAT team, Fraser Health said it implemented enhanced control measures, such as the following:

• Allowing only essential visitors
• Restricting staff and resident movement in the facility
• Enhancing cleaning and infection control measures
• Communicating with residents, staff and families to address questions and advise on next steps
• Providing twice-a-day screening of all staff and residents for COVID-19 symptoms

“Fraser Health deployed more than 200 people as part of SWAT teams which include clinical nurse educators, infection prevention and control experts, screeners, and patient care quality officers supporting with communication to families and assessing symptoms at the site,” the health authority said. “Through these teams, sites are also connected with emergency supplies and additional personnel if needed.”

On Monday, BC health officials said seven people at Fraser Valley Specialty Poultry had tested positive for COVID-19.