COVID-19 Outbreak in Oregon Area Linked to Pear Packer

Oregon officials disclosed that a Hood River County, Ore. pear-packing company is the site of the latest COVID-19 outbreak connected to the agriculture industry.

Six employees of Duckwall Fruit have tested positive for coronavirus, the Oregon Health Authority said.

Duckwall Fruit is the first employer identified by state officials after they announced Thursday that they would disclose workplace outbreaks of at least five infections, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported.

The decision came after the state received heavy criticism for initially declining to identify Townsend Farms in Multnomah County, which has had two outbreaks since late April, totaling over 100 coronavirus cases.

The investigation into the Duckwall Fruit outbreak started Friday, the state said. Officials say they are working with the business to address the outbreak and protect the health of workers.

Duckwall Fruit has operated in the Hood River Vally since 1919, and ships pears to domestic and international customers, according to its website.

A representative of Duckwall Fruit could not be reached for comment late Friday.