Tyson Foods plans to expand a program using algorithms to test workers who show no symptoms for COVID-19 to all of its facilities in the coming weeks.
Tyson first announced use of the program in a July 30 press release and conducted a successful trial run of the program at three processing plants this summer. The program selects which employees – and how many – will be tested each week based on data science. The program was developed with input from health care management provider Matrix Medical Network.
“It is virtually impossible to test everyone, every day,” Tyson spokesperson Gary Mickelson said. “We have tested about one-third of our workforce, most of it through one-time facility-wide testing, which provides only a snapshot. By using data science to test a statistically sound sample of team members, we have a better chance of staying ahead of any potential virus spread and protecting our teams and communities. The objective is to stay ahead of the virus, to be on the offensive.”
“We’ve been piloting this program at several of our facilities and have seen great success,” said Donnie King, Tyson Foods group president and chief administrative officer. “Our team members tell us they feel especially supported by this scientifically sound combination of testing and monitoring.”
