Mass testing at Dole vegetable packaging plant in Ohio reveals around 100 new positive cases

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Mass coronavirus testing conducted at the Springfield Dole vegetable packaging plant last weekend revealed about 100 new COVID-19 cases, according to the Clark County Combined Health District.

On Saturday, health officials tested 829 employees at the facility, which revealed about 100 new cases, CCCHD officials told WHIO. Before the round of mass testing, 38 cases had been confirmed relating to the plant.

Health officials first announced 22 cases May 19 and 20, all connected to the plant. Fourteen of those positive cases were employees and eight were considered contacts of the employees.

Dole officials issued a statement Tuesday saying, in part, they are continuing to work with Clark County health officials to protect employees and the community.

“We are being very proactive and continuing to working closely and collaboratively with Clark County Combined Health District to implement their recommendations to protect the wellness of our employees and the community,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “Of course as an essential business we are striving to get salads to people around the country, but are focused first on providing a safe and healthy workplace for our employees and their respective families.”

Dole recall coronavirus Covid-19 Dole officials issued a statement Tuesday saying, in part, they are continuing to work with Clark County health officials to protect employees and the community.

Jenna Lawson

I grew up in Springfield and I'm a big fan of all things Springfield, including Schuler's & the Clark County Fair. A career in journalism never really was a serious thought until the end of high school. You just have epiphanies sometimes, and that's the only way I can explain why I got into this line of work – but I'm happier for it!