Coronavirus: 63 at Texas beef processing plant test positive for COVID-19

More than 60 workers and vendors at a Texas beef processing plant have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, officials said.

According to the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, officials this week confirmed 63 cases among STX Beef workers, vendors and contractors after 747 people were tested at the Corpus Christi plant beginning Saturday. Results from tests conducted Wednesday, the last day of testing for workers, were not yet available, the newspaper reported. Workers' family members will undergo tests Thursday.

STX Beef said its employees' health and safety "is the most important responsibility each day for us," according to a statement obtained by KRIS-TV.

"Face masks and face shields, enhanced facility sanitation procedures, thermal camera imagery, and social distancing in the lunchroom and break areas will continue," the company said, adding that officials will continue to evaluate the latest COVID-19 developments and amend policies when necessary.

As of Thursday morning, Texas had reported more than 43,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and 1,172 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. At least 186 cases had been reported in Nueces County, the Caller-Times reported.