Ruiz Foods closes production lines in Dinuba, Tulare to safeguard workers from coronavirus

Ruiz Foods closed several production lines at facilities in Dinuba and Tulare to safeguard employees from the coronavirus.

In a statement on Wednesday, the company confirmed there are employees at both facilities who have tested positive for the coronavirus, but the decision was made as incidence of community spread transmission of the virus began to rise.

“Our first priority is protecting our Team Members while they work to help feed families across the country,” said Stephen Coale, a senior vice president of the company, in a statement. “Despite our focused efforts to keep our team members safe, a high incidence of community spread has resulted in our decision to temporarily close several production lines.”

Ruiz Foods markets its food under the El Monterey brand, and is known for its burritos, chimichangas and tamales.

Along with the closures, the company said it has implemented temperature screening, mandatory mask wearing and enhanced sanitation processes. It has also worked to improve physical distancing within the facility when feasible.

Workers who have been exposed — whether through another team member or the community — are placed off work for a minimum of 14 days and referred to their physicians, per health official guidance, the company said.

The company also is working with Tulare County to get employees tested and mobile testing units are expected to be in place in Dinuba later this week.

This story was originally published April 29, 2020 at 3:06 PM with the headline "Ruiz Foods closes production lines in Dinuba, Tulare to safeguard workers from coronavirus."