2 Coronavirus Cases Confirmed At Jel Sert Factory In West Chicago

WEST CHICAGO, IL — Two factory workers have tested positive for new coronavirus at the Jel Sert Factory in West Chicago, according to a news release from the company. Jel Sert, which employs about 1,000 people, manufactures brands that include Wyler's, Flav-Or-Ice and Otter Pops.

According to an update on the Jel Sert website, the employees have been placed in quarantine and are getting the care they need. Jel Sert says that other employees who worked in "close proximity with these workers" have been put on paid leave.

As of the March 25 update, Jel Sert says no other employees are currently showing symptoms and that workers have been told to stay home if they feel ill.

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In the news update, Jel Sert officials added that they are taking additional precautions, which include the following:

• "A rigorous daily sanitization of all communal employee areas and equipment (above and beyond our standard cleaning procedures)"
• "Issuing new physical distancing guidelines for employees inside and outside of production areas"
• "On-site nurses that will be available during all employee shifts, providing additional resources"
• "Maximizing the number of office employees working from home"
• "Implementing a more rigorous protocol for handwashing and further utilizing automatic machines that wash and sanitize employee hands (above and beyond our standard protocols)"
• "Tripling the number of staff dedicated to cleaning and sanitizing our entire facility"
• "Allowing employees to stay home if they are uncomfortable coming to work"

Jel Sert asserts that they are deemed an essential business under Governor J.B. Pritzker's executive order because they make food and beverages that include "medical foods and Defense Department contracted items."

Casa DuPage Workers Center Response

For Casa DuPage Workers Center, an organization that provides workplace support for Latino workers throughout DuPage County, these measures aren't enough. In a recent press release forwarded to Patch, Casa DuPage Workers Center is calling for Jel Sert to close production immediately to clean and sterilize the entire factory until it can be inspected and guaranteed by OSHA.

Casa DuPage is also calling for a paid leave of two weeks for all factory workers at the plant while the disinfection is being carried out.

In a statement, Casa DuPage said, "Many times it is Latino workers who are forced to work risking our lives and those of our families since many of us work in the food sector — a sector that is considered essential, despite low wages and exposed to illnesses. That Jel-Sert do the right thing in the face of this COVID-19/ Corona Virus case among its workers and let the workers stay at home and not be infected or spread the virus to anyone!"

Jel Sert did not immediately respond to a voicemail request for comment Thursday afternoon.

Illinois Coronavirus Update: 19 Deaths, Nearly 2,000 Cases