400 employees tested for COVID-19 at AgriStar

Last Tuesday, May 5 the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and representatives from other state agencies were in Postville conducting testing for COVID-19 at AgriStar meat packing plant. They were there at the request of AgriStar in the plant’s effort to protect its employees and ensure its ability to continue operation. 

Allamakee County Emergency Management Director Corey Snitker said, “This testing was not part of the Iowa Test Initiative. The testing was requested by AgriStar in April but was unable to have the testing done until May 5 due to testing being done in other facilities across the state first.”

Over 400 employees of the facility were tested and all testing was voluntary. The test results were expected to be available as early as May 8. The test results will show several things including whether or not they currently have the COVID-19 virus, if they have had it in the past. The test will  results will also allow the facility to determine the employees’ health status and to assess any additional preventative measures that may need to be taken to protect the health of its employees. While protecting its workforce, it is the intention of AgriStar to maintain critical operations in the country’s food chain.

No results have been reported by the state or the meat packing facility.

This information in this article was provided by Corey Snitker, Emergency Management Coordinator.