EVADALE, Texas — Four employees at a paper mill in Evadale have tested positive for COVID-19 according to a spokesperson.
With about 700 employees total working at the WestRock facility on FM 105, the company says it's taking the 'safety of our employees very seriously.'
Penny Sullivan, who works with WestRock, says a professional cleaning company is located on site to sanitize the facility multiple times each day and night. She told 12News everyone who may have been in contact with those who have tested positive have been notified.
We asked a series of questions and received the following written responses:
Q: Can you provide the number of cases confirmed?
"Our Evadale facility has 4 confirmed Covid-19 cases."
Q: Is the company taking any precautions/preventable measures? If so, what?
A: "We take this situation and the safety of our employees very seriously. We are following all CDC protocols/requirements for essential manufacturers. Early on, we secured the services of a professional cleaning company that we have located on-site. They have the expertise in deep cleaning and sanitizing our affected areas. Additionally, all areas in our facility are being cleaned and sanitized multiple times day and night. We encourage the use of masks and will provide them upon request. All employees report for temperature checks before entering the facility. We encourage social distancing and CDC recommended hygiene measures."
Q: Do you know the last time the employees were on location--- and if they are self-isolating at home?
A: "Our employees with confirmed cases are receiving medical care and our support at this time. All employees that had contact with these individuals have been notified and have self-quarantined."
Q: Do the employees have any commonalities (working the same shift, working in the same department etc.)?
A: "No commonalities."
Q: And finally, can you provide me with number of all employees at the paper mill in Evadale? How many employees in total work there?
A: "Approximately 700."
