Tyson Foods Led Workplaces in COVID Cases

Tyson Foods Inc. of Springdale reported 2,866 COVID-19 cases at its workplaces, nearly one-third of the state’s 9,065 sickened workers across all industries from May 19, 2020, to April 8, 2021, according to an arkansascovid.com analysis of Arkansas Department of Health data.

The state Health Department publishes COVID-19 occupational illness reports that show businesses with five or more active cases. In less than one year, Tyson had 281 appearances in these reports. Comparatively, Walmart Inc., the largest employer in the state, had two appearances that totaled 12 sick workers.

Sources: University of Arkansas journalists in collaboration with the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland. Distributed by The Associated Press