USG shuts down with more cases

After reporting that the Cloquet USG plant had one person test positive for COVID-19 on April 24, the company announced Wednesday that it had two additional confirmed cases of the disease. The company found out this week and suspended operations at the plant.

“USG has shut down temporarily to do a thorough cleaning and a disinfections crew was called in,” said USG spokesperson Kaitlyn Henderson, adding that they expect to reopen within a few days. The cleaning will be done in accordance with recommendations from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control. In addition, USG has been regularly cleaning common areas with increased frequency and is also completing an additional disinfecting of all common areas where the employee may have been.

A company statement said USG continues to monitor WHO and CDC guidance, as well as information provided by national, state and local governments, to protect the health of its employees and communities. The company advised anyone who is sick to stay home, implemented enhanced sanitation in all our facilities, staggered break times to minimize crowding, and are actively promoting social distancing, Henderson said.