Kokomo Transmission Plant Worker Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Production Continues

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has confirmed that a worker at the Kokomo Transmission Plant tested positive for the coronavirus. The company says production will continue normally. 

Employees at the transmission plant were notified Thursday that one of their coworkers has a confirmed case of COVID-19. The employee has been hospitalized and nearby workers are being quarantined for 14 days. Still, some are wondering if it’s safe to come to work.

READ MORE: What Do You Need To Know About Coronavirus? We’ve Got Answers.

Howard County Health Officer Dr. Don Zent says his department has worked with the plant to provide precautions for the rest of the workers. He says it is currently safe for the plant to stay open and workers to proceed as usual. 

“Things may change,” he says. “ It’s a fluid situation so tomorrow the answer may be different. That’s what we recommend now and consider it safe for the employees to be there.”

The company has communicated with the local chapter of United Automobile Workers. Neither the union nor the company would agree to an interview.

CLARIFICATION: A previous version of this story referred to the plant as "a Kokomo transmission plant." In the interest of clarity, it has been changed to "the Kokomo Transmission Plant."

Contact Justin at jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.

This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Indiana State Department of Health for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.