DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concluded on June 23 that no violations were discovered at the Tyson Fresh Meats pork plant in Waterloo, Iowa, following an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in April.

According to reporting by the Associated Press, the agency has closed its inquiry into the facility.

“We appreciate the important role of Iowa OSHA and are pleased with the results of its investigations,” said Liz Croston, Tyson spokesperson. “Our top priority is the health and safety of our team members and we intend to continue our efforts to protect them. We’ve transformed the way we operate, screening for symptoms, requiring masks, implementing social distancing measures and conducting facility-wide testing. In addition, we’re pleased to report the number of active COVID cases involving our Iowa team members continues to decline.”

On April 22, Tyson suspended operations at its Waterloo plant for two weeks due to COVID-19. The company reopened the plant in early May but Black Hawk County officials, which includes Waterloo, expressed concerns about community spread and Tyson employees not having proper personal protective equipment (PPE) during the first outbreak.

According to the Black Hawk County Department website on June 24, there have been 2,167 reported cases of COVID-19 and 59 deaths. 

Tyson has previously stated that it implemented precautions at the plant and will continue to do that.

An Iowa OSHA investigation was also requested on May 20 for a Tyson pork plant in Perry, Iowa.