SALISBURY, MD. — Perdue Farms announced on March 28 that an employee at its Perry, Ga., poultry processing plant tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The company pointed out that the person had not been to work for more than a week as a precautionary measure.

Perdue said the affected worker is in quarantine for 14 days while still receiving pay and no attendance penalty and may return to work when approved by a health care provider.

"Our greatest concern is for the health and safety of our associates," said Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms. "We are committed to supporting them as they remain dedicated to their roles as essential personnel during this uncharted time."

The poultry processor implemented its pandemic response protocols which follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Perdue said it continues to take preventative measures, which were outlined in early March, at all its facilities to protect the health of its employees. The company said it has increased sanitation and cleaning in addition to the full sanitization that all facilities receive every 24 hours.

Perdue also extended its hours of many on-site wellness centers, which are available to all employees and their families for free.

Additionally, the company is implementing temperature checking of employees across all facilities and reminding associates to follow the CDC guidelines for proper hygiene.

The company is the fourth-largest producer of chicken in the United States and operates food processing plants in 10 states.