Lincoln Premium Poultry shared a statement Monday announcing that one of their employees has died from COVID-19 coronavirus.
Jessica Kolterman, the company's director of corporate and external affairs said, "We are heartbroken to learn that we lost a team member and are working to assist the family as they sort through the next steps."
The employee had not been at work since April 17th after they asked to self-quarantine due to an underlying health concern. The company learned the employee was positively diagnosed last Thursday.
Lincoln Premium Poultry has reported thirteen more cases over the past week, which brings the company's total to 28 positive cases and 39 negative cases.
"The reality is that the virus is throughout our communities, which is why it is so important to social distance at home as well as at our facilities," Kolterman said. The company is letting 65 employees self-isolate at home with pay.
Lincoln Premium Poultry says four employees have since recovered and returned to work after a positive diagnosis. The meat processor is implementing more protective measures under guidance from UNMC and since March, has given a $2 an hour raise to all hourly workers.