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Data shows rapid decline in COVID-19 cases for meat and poultry workers

As COVID-19 cases soar across the US, data shows the infection rate amongst meat and poultry workers has declined sharply over the past 6 months.

Data from the Food and Environment Reporting Network indicates COVID-19 infection rates for meat and poultry workers were more than 8 times lower than general population rates in November with an average of 5 new cases per 100,000 workers per day.

North American Meat Institute CEO Julie Anna Potts says the data is “encouraging evidence” that the $1.5 billion in protection measures implemented since the spring has reversed the pandemic’s impact on the sector.

The Center for Disease Control voted earlier this month to prioritize COVID-19 vaccinations for frontline meat and poultry workers to keep infection rates down and the food supply chain running.