Amana, Ia (KCRG) – An eastern Iowa manufacturer is shutting down its operations after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, according to company officials.
Whirlpool Corporation, which operates a plant in Amana, said it was closing the plant after an employee received a positive test result for COVID-19.
TV station KCRG reports that this employee is currently hospitalized.
According to officials, the employee had not been in the plant since March 17th, although they had had self-reported contact with a coworker.
Nonessential employees were told they would not be allowed to enter the facility. Other employees were told to monitor for symptoms, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
The company said it was closing the plant out of caution and would perform a precautionary deep cleaning of the facility while attempting to determine if any other employees were at risk from exposure.
According to company officials, employees will continue to be paid during the shutdown.
