COVID-19 Updates

﹢July 7, 2019: Six Confirmed Cases﹢

Orchard View, Inc. Confirms Positive COVID-19 cases

THE DALLES, OR – Cherry grower and packer Orchard View, Inc. has confirmed six positive cases of COVID-19 amongst their 1,200+ employees over the past six weeks of cherry harvest and is cooperating with the North Central Public Health District to move safely forward with harvest.

The employees who tested positive have received medical attention and are now in isolation. Following the positive tests, the areas in which the individuals were working were thoroughly sanitized in accordance with CDC guidelines before operations resumed. Close contacts with the employees have been notified and have been given access to medical services.

“The well-being of our employees is incredibly important to us,” said Mike Omeg, director of business operations. “In the months leading up to harvest, we made significant modifications to our processes and our facilities to help protect everyone who works here. Our thoughts are with our colleagues now and we trust they are receiving the best care possible.”

Omeg, who also serves as the company’s lead social distancing officer, noted that the Orchard View team collaborated closely with One Community Health and North Central Public Health District to define strict, documented best management practices for employee safety during the cherry harvest, which spans early June through early August.

Alongside standard food safety practices, Orchard View implemented rigorous disciplines around social distancing, the use of face coverings, and sanitization of workspaces, equipment and living areas. Each employee was trained to best protect themselves and one another, with expectations for compliance expressed and understood. Social distancing officers conduct daily walkthroughs of the work locations to help ensure employees are working safely. A social distancing officer also visits Orchard View’s labor facilities daily to check in with residents.

Among other exposure control best practices, the company added hygiene stations, restroom facilities and upgraded living areas to reduce the risk of exposure. Employees working in the proximity to others must pass a health check, which includes taking temperatures, each day before beginning work.

“We’re carefully following guidance from health authorities and will continue to do so,” Omeg said. “We are deeply committed to safeguarding the health of our team and are doing everything we can to protect them as we work together.”

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