MAYVILLE, N.Y. — Chautauqua County officials provided an update Friday on a COVID-19 outbreak at Fieldbrook Foods in Dunkirk.
On Tuesday, 650 workers were tested with 24 of them, or six-percent coming back positive. Since August 16 and including the results of Tuesday's testing, 49 positive cases have been identified among employees as well as 14 close contacts of those employees. Public Health Director Christine Schuyler says they are trying to get a list from Fieldbrook of how many more may have been tested to get a more complete picture.
Schuyler says she is not ordering the plant to closed. She say the plant's 3rd shift has been considered a 'sanitation shift' during the pandemic, meaning the facility is already getting a deep cleaning every 24 hours. For that reason, she does not feel the plant needs to be shut down. However, she added she will be reaching out to them to see that cleaning is enhanced.
“Our Public Health staff continues to work proactively and tirelessly with Fieldbrook Foods and the regional offices of the New York State Department of Health and Agriculture and Markets to protect employees and the community and identify steps needed to prevent further spread of COVID-19,” said Schuyler. “We have taken all appropriate and necessary actions during this outbreak and I am extremely proud of my staff and grateful for the many partners who are working collaboratively with us during these unprecedented times.”
Schuyler said that during their investigation they discovered that there were two, maybe three large social gatherings in Dunkirk. Schuyler got emotional when pleading with the community to use common sense and to respect others by abiding by the guidelines of mask wearing and social distancing.
“It is important for everyone to continue social distancing efforts in the community,” said Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel. “Preventing the spread of COVID-19 rests with each and every one of us. Precautions must be followed when at work, at school, and during off hours. Being within six feet of a person with COVID-19 for ten minutes or more is the most likely route of transmission of this disease. Be safe by assuming that everyone is infected. Practice social distancing, wash hands frequently, wear a mask, and stay home and away from others if you are experiencing any symptoms which may be associated with COVID-19.”
Dunkirk is one of the sites the state will deploy a SWAT team starting Saturday to provide rapid testing where results will be made available in as little as 15 minutes. Those tests will be done by appointment only. If a test comes back positive, Schuyler says that person must go home and self-isolate immediately. They will then be contacted by a member of the Chautauqua County Health Department to officially place them in mandatory isolation. Testing is free and all residents are eligible.
State health officials will be on hand to test residents in the Dunkirk area at Dunkirk Fire Murphy Training Grounds
665 Brigham Road
Dunkirk, NY 14048
You will need to call: 1-833-NYSTRNG (697-8764) to schedule an appointment.