Workers at SunDate packaging facility test positive for coronavirus

Multiple workers at Sun Date in Coachella have tested positive, according to the date packaging facility's management and employees.

The family member of several people who work there said three people in her family are showing symptoms, and one person has already tested positive. She did not want to be named.

"Symptoms would be like losing their sense of smell," she said. "their bodies, they feel weak on some of my family members. Some are still waiting for results"

News Channel 3 reached the manager of Sun Date by phone – he declined an on camera interview, but said he's only aware of two people who work there so far that have tested positive.

"It's one person next to the other – they're making boxes, working with the dates," the family member said.

The manager said Sun Date remains open because providing food is considered an essential business.

He said the facility was deep cleaned Monday, and that they've implemented more social distancing policies as well as increased hand sanitizer availability.

He also said the dates aren't infected as they go through a cleaning process before being shipped across the nation and the world.

But concern is growing among employees about the safety of the situation.

"They did put everybody at risk at one point," said the family member. "Right now, it's just trying to make solutions. Come on, I think it's a little late. People are getting positives. People are still waiting for results. Just stop."

The manager said employees have been given the option to self quarantine without putting their jobs in jeopardy. Of the 120 workers, only between 35 to 40 have been showing up to work over the last few days.

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The exact number of employees who tested positive was not disclosed.

SunDate is a local company that has become one of the largest date packers in the United States.

News Channel 3's Jake Ingrassia speaks with a manager and a family member of several employees at the facility to get more details.