88 Amazon workers in Shakopee test positive for coronavirus

Amazon fulfillment center in Shakopee has one of larger coronavirus outbreaks in a warehouse or distribution plant setting, according to state health officials.

At least 88 of its approximately 1,000 workers have tested positive for disease caused by virus. Ar 99 workers at or Amazon sites in Twin Cities have also tested positive since COVID-19 arrived in Minnesota.

Kris Ehresmann, director of infectious disease for Minnesota Health Department, said state officials are reaching out to employers when clusters at workplaces begin to emerge, Star Tribune reported.

“Anytime we have a situation in which a worksite is a critical workforce and y’re in a position where y don’t have luxury of working from home, or working in a cubicle ... you tend to see a greater likelihood of transmission,” Ehresmann said.

Ehresmann said y are providing guidance to mitigate spread of disease.