High Liner Foods in Portsmouth Shuts Down Due to Coronavirus

High Liner Foods has announced that they have suspended all seafood production at the Portsmouth plant where it has received 19 confirmed positive cases among employees according to Patch.com/new-hampshire. Chief Executive Officer Rod Hepponstall said, “We are maximizing all available resources to safeguard our people and ensure a steady supply of frozen seafood to meet the needs of retailers and consumers across North America during this unprecedented time.”

Its alarming news following on the heels of two pork processing plants shutting down in South Dakota. High Liner Foods is working with food regulators and local public health authorities to ensure the safety of its employees and products. The company plans to institute several health procedures including temperature checks on employees. It will be increasing its health and safety policies to also include increased social distancing, staggered break times, more break rooms, and frequent sanitation of all common areas.

CEO and President Rod Hepponstall also stated “Our priority is the health and safety of our employees who are doing essential work supplying food to families across North America,” According to patch.com/new-hampshire. Here is to hoping for a swift reopening and a speedy recovery to all those affected by COVID-19.