April 25, 2024
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Hormel testing results complete: 123 positive cases out of nearly 800

By Cody Cutter
Coronavirus testing began at 8 this morning at Hormel's Rochelle Foods plant. The plant was ordered to shut down Friday because of a high concentration of positive COVID-19 cases. About 600 workers are to be tested today and Friday, with the results back from the lab by Tuesday, officials have said.

Coronavirus testing began at 8 this morning at Hormel's Rochelle Foods plant. The plant was ordered to shut down Friday because of a high concentration of positive COVID-19 cases. About 600 workers are to be tested today and Friday, with the results back from the lab by Tuesday, officials have said. (Alex T)

ROCHELLE – Of the nearly 800 workers at Hormel’s Rochelle Foods plant, 123 have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a news release today from the Northern Illinois region of health departments.

The plant will reopen as planned Monday following a 14-day closure spurred by a COVID-19 outbreak.

Employees began being tested two weeks ago with the help of the Ogle County Health Department, Rochelle Community Hospital and KSB Hospital in Dixon. Plant officials said Friday that numerous people had no noticeable symptoms. The results announced today show 14% of employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Two dozen cases were linked to the facility when it was ordered to be closed April 17.

The plant's reopen plan exceeds CDC and OSHA guidelines, and outlines procedures for continued employee safety, including temperature screening, masks and personal protective equipment, social distancing and continued COVID-19 education.

Ogle County has 132 positive COVID-19 cases, four of which were reported today.