Mass testing at Mountaire Farms to begin Thursday amid COVID-19 outbreak

Mark Reif, community relations manager, said eight new cases were identified since last week. He said nine additional employees at the Lumber Bridge plant have also tested positive for coronavirus.

Mountaire Farms says the testing will happen on Thursday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the employee parking lot.

A group of people, including personnel from Chatham County Emergency Management, could be seen in the parking lot on Wednesday afternoon planning and setting up cones and tents.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said the priority is to test employees who are symptomatic and their families.

Mountaire Farms officials say they have encouraged employees who feel sick to stay home.

"This testing is only for employees and their families who have symptoms of COVID-19," said Catherine Bassett, director of communications for Mountaire Farms. "None of those employees should be in our plant. Our screening process every day already makes sure that anyone with symptoms does not come into our facility."

The testing comes just one week after contractors called for protection.

Mountaire Farms said they offer paid sick leave to all employees, but contractors working for other companies do not qualify for the same benefits. On Wednesday, Reif encouraged contractors to apply for full-time work with Mountaire Farms.

Reif says workers are required to get their temperature checked when they enter the building and the company has made it mandatory to wear face masks and face shields. Mountaire has also installed barriers on the production line.

Factory workers at Pilgrim's Pride, Mountaire Farms want protection from COVID-19

Mountaire Farms is the seventh-largest producer of chicken in the United States.

NCDHHS says mass testing events are not yet planned for the four other food processing facilities where coronavirus outbreaks have been identified.