BLUE BELL REPORTING MORE COVID-19 CASES IN BRENHAM EMPLOYEES
Blue Bell Creameries continues to report additional cases of COVID-19 at its facility in Brenham.
The company, while not providing a specific total of employees that have tested positive for the virus, acknowledged in an email that it has seen an increase in its number of cases. It maintained that the increase in cases was expected, and that only a small percentage of Brenham employees have tested positive at this time.
The company said it is actively monitoring the situation, and is prepared to adjust its operations and procedures in order to protect employees and ensure product safety. It said it continues to follow guidelines set by health officials by emphasizing to employees the importance of social distancing, hand washing, and staying at home if they are not feeling well.
Blue Bell said it maintains “robust cleaning and sanitation” programs, employee safety procedures, and testing programs, adding that it implemented safety measures specifically to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 early on. It also said, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence to suggest that handling or consuming food is associated with the virus.
On June 1st, Blue Bell reopened the visitor center, ice cream parlor, and country store, while limiting the number of people allowed inside in accordance with state and local guidelines. The company is encouraging social distancing both verbally and with posted signage, and has increased availability of sanitizing stations. There is also a tent and special events trailer in the parking lot to serve guests outdoors, in the event the limited indoor capacity creates an overflow issue.
The visitor center, ice cream parlor, and country store remain open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are closed Saturdays and Sundays.