Olymel plant near Red Deer - Google Maps

By Troy Gillard

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Olymel temporarily closes Red Deer pork plant due to COVID-19 outbreak

Feb 16, 2021 | 5:53 AM

RED DEER, AB. — Olymel is temporarily shutting down its Red Deer pork processing plant due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

“Despite the testing protocols and sanitary measures already in place, as well as the close collaboration of Alberta Health Services to deal with a resurgence of positive cases of COVID-19 among plant employees, Olymel management believes that the conditions are no longer assembled to continue normal operations in a safe and efficient manner,” the company says in a statement issued Monday.

Olymel says it has notified the union representing workers at the Red Deer plant (UFCW Local 401) and that it will be shut down for an indefinite period of time.

“Over the next few days, plant management will mobilize the staff necessary to cease operations and complete the facility closure as soon as possible,” the company says. “The sanitary measures will continue to be in effect at the plant during the shutdown and Olymel management will be in contact with officials at Alberta Health Services to continue working closely with this organization.”

Alberta Health confirms that as of Monday there are 192 active cases linked to the outbreak, which was first declared in November. Total confirmed cases stemming from the outbreak sit at 326. There has been one death as a result of the outbreak.

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“Olymel sincerely hopes that all employees at the Red Deer plant who have tested positive for COVID-19 soon regain their health,” their statement reads. “The company will follow up with all employees to ensure their quarantine period is being respected and will strongly encourage all staff to get tested before returning to work.”

Olymel says it will also continue “ongoing investigations” into what may have caused such a large outbreak of COVID-19 cases linked to their Red Deer plant since January 20.

Olymel management has also informed all hog suppliers of the Red Deer plant of the situation and has suspended all pending deliveries until further notice.