Port Coquitlam poultry plant confirms positive case of coronavirus

Sofina Foods Inc. confirmed that an employee who works at its Port Coquitlam facility has tested positive for COVID-19.

“The employee lives with relatives who work at a local plant where, recently, several employees tested positive for the virus, including one of the employee’s relatives.” said Sofina Foods Plant Manager Kuljeet Chahal. “We have been preparing for this type of incident and quickly sprang into action to assess risks and identify any action needed in addition to the proactive measures we already have in place.”

In response to the case, the company said it immediately deployed its COVID-19 response protocol to mitigate any risks to other employees.

Sofina Foods indicated that any employee who may have been in close contact with the employee was asked to self-isolate at home and monitor their health.

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The company said that in addition to its usual daily sanitation of production areas, the plant team had augmented its disinfection protocols with ongoing disinfection of welfare areas and was an early adopter of physical distancing measures. Plexiglas partitions were also added several weeks ago in lunchrooms.

“Combined with the fact that the employee wore protective personal equipment at all times, we are confident that we had the right measures in place to help mitigate risks to other employees,” said Chahal.

Sofina Foods’ plant in Port Coquitlam manufactures fresh chicken products and employs over 400 people. The plant remains fully operational.