Tyson Foods to restrict travel and screen visitors

Tyson Foods joins several companies such as Walmart and Amazon to restrict international travel due to the threat of coronavirus (COVID-19). The Springdale-based meat giant said Monday (March 9) it is suspending international travel from the United States for its employees and asked those who recently traveled internationally to self-quarantine.

Tyson said it’s also limiting exposure by foregoing work-related trade shows and conferences in an effort to keep its employees from becoming infected.

Donnie King, president of Tyson’s international segment, said sick employees are encouraged to stay home and those at work who have respiratory symptoms will be sent home. The company is asking workers to follow CDC advice on frequent handwashing and “sneezing etiquette.” King said surfaces throughout the company’s workplaces are being “routinely” cleaned.

“We are closely engaged with each part of our supply chain to manage and prevent disruption of supplies, production and distribution. We have business continuity measures in place designed to help ensure supply and are actively working to identify risks and find alternatives to any part of our supply chain that could be affected by this outbreak,” King said.

Tyson is also screening all visitors to its facilities via a questionnaire before allowing entry. King said Tyson has monitored the situation since January and opted to follow recommendations from a working group of leaders across the U.S.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday more than 600 confirmed infections in 34 states. which have resulted in 22 deaths. Arkansas has not yet reported a case, nor have the neighboring states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.