Hardie's Fresh Foods

There is a lot of talk on the news right now about the COVID-19 virus, also known as the Coronavirus, so thought it important to share what Hardie's Fresh Foods is doing to prevent spread of the virus. 

The first thing that we all need to do is not panic and continue to use good food safety practices. The virus may continue to spread across the country but the Centers for Disease Control are doing everything possible to stop that from happening. Texas has 10 confirmed cases but they are all people who were brought here after flying in from Wuhan, China or from the Diamond Princess cruise ship. These individuals were brought to Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio to be cared for under strict quarantine. According to CDC's website as of 3/2/20, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 of Texas residents who have contracted the virus in Texas. According to the CDC, this is likely to change but as of now, there is no indication of widespread cases in the US or in Texas. 

Despite the low risk of COVID-19 reaching our facilities, Hardie's Fresh Foods is committed to food safety and doing all it can to protect our employees and customers.

Actions to be taken in all Hardie's facilities - Effective Immediately

• Sani-wipes placed near forklift and pallet jack charging area  All employees are asked to wipe down the handles prior to starting their day and periodically during the day

• Use sani-wipes to sanitize the following areas 3 times per shift - an employee is designated to be in charge of it during each shift until further notice

  - All doorknobs
  - Toilets, sinks, and counters
  - Time clock
  - All forklift handles, pallet jack handles, and WMS equipment

• All drivers to begin taking rubber gloves with them and wear them for each delivery. Change gloves after each delivery 

• Continued manditory handwashing after eating or using restrooms

What can we do to protect ourselves?

Below are the recommendations from the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/ prevention-treatment.html

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to  others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

No Disruption in Service

We remain in close contact with all suppliers, and we do not anticipate any disruption to supplies or deliveries at this time.