Coronavirus case confirmed at Jeld-Wen; plant closed for second shift for deep cleaning
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - A worker brings cleaning equipment to the lobby of Jeld-Wen Windows in Ringtown on April 8, 2020.
RINGTOWN – A window manufacturer in the Ringtown Valley is undergoing a deep-cleaning this afternoon and will be back on-line tonight after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
A crew from Mike’s Cleaning Service, Ringtown was on site Wednesday afternoon at Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors, 700 West Main Street.
A notice to employees obtained by the Sentinel notes that plant administration received word Wednesday afternoon an employee had tested positive for COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus.
The notice, signed by Rebecca Keebler, plant manager at the facility, said the employee was last at work Thursday evening.
“We consulted with corporate safety, and given the length of time that has passed since then and given our daily cleaning regimen, we believe that the risk to the facility is minimal,” the notice said. “However, out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of our employees, we have made the decision to send employees home immediately and shut down our second shift in order to do a deep-clean and sanitation of the facility.”
The notice added at a third party was retained to come and clean the facility “immediately,” and that the third shift at the plant would operate normally.
“All employees in close contact with the affected employee have been notified and will not return to the facility for 14 days,” the noticed added. “I want you to know that I genuinely appreciate what you do and how difficult this time is. Stay safe, vigilant, and strong.”
CORRECTION 4/8/2020 @6:32pm: The day of the week when Jeld-Wen was notified of the infection and began cleaning was incorrect. The day should have been Tuesday (April 8) and has been corrected.
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Totally ridiculous that the plant is open. The type of windows they make could not be used in hospitals (which is the excuse they gave the state about why they were considered ” life sustaining”.