Bridgestone reports eight Covid cases at US factory

Des Moines, Iowa — Eight employees at Bridgestone Americas Inc.'s Des Moines agricultural tire plant have tested positive for Covid-19 as of 1 May, the company confirmed to ERJ sister publication Tire Business.

"We are taking every precaution, including thorough disinfection and self-quarantine of any employees who came into contact with a (Covid-19) positive employee," Bridgestone said.

The company said it is mitigating the situation using protocols it put into place to respond to such an event before production at the plant was restarted 13 April 13. 

The Des Moines plant — which employs 1,050 at last reporting — had its first employee test positive for Covid-19 on 23 April. 

At the time, the company said the employee was in home isolation, and all other employees who may have come into contact with the affected person were asked to self-quarantine and contact a doctor if symptoms arose. 

Bridgestone said the plant will remain in production, except for previously scheduled annual shutdowns around Memorial Day and the 4 July, but the company will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust its response as necessary.