With an Earthbound Farm employee contracting COVID-19, the San Juan Bautista company has responded in several ways.
Earthbound parent company Taylor Farms confirmed an employee tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, and that person is at home in self-quarantine. The company also said its tracing efforts identified other employees who came in contact with the person and they are self-quarantining as well on paid sick leave.
San Benito County officials also addressed the issue at Tuesday’s board meeting when Supervisor Anthony Botelho asked for an update. Health & Human Services Director Tracey Belton said the county had contact with Earthbound management Monday. She said testing is in progress for employees at the site.
“There have been numerous negative test results that have come back already,” Belton said.
She said the business made assurances that modifications and safety measures are in place such as employees wearing face coverings and social distancing. Signs are posted to maintain distance, high-traffic areas are sanitized on a regular basis, and deep cleaning happens regularly.
Belton said Earthbound employees are eligible to register for federally sponsored testing that’s under way, by appointment for vulnerable groups and first responders, at the Veterans Memorial Building in Hollister.
