Investigation ongoing after the death of two Mission Foods employees in Commerce that tested positive for COVID-19

COMMERCE, California (KABC) – An investigation is underway following the death of two Mission Foods employees, one of three food processing facilities in Los Angeles County that was ordered to be temporarily closed after the outbreaks of COVID-19.

Alisha Álvarez had identified one of the workers who died as her father, José Álvarez, 67. He was one of more than 40 workers who tested positive for the virus at the Commerce facility.

In late June, he told his family and his employer that he felt sick and ended up going to the hospital.

“We were particularly afraid of him because he had diabetes, because he had high blood pressure, and he assured us that he was making sure that he himself was safe,” said his daughter. “You know, he was always wearing the mask, he was always wearing the gloves.”

On July 5, her daughter says that Álvarez was admitted to the ICU and that he was put on a ventilator for two weeks. He passed away on July 20.

“We were very saddened to learn of the passing of José Roberto Álvarez and we wish to share our sincere condolences to his family. We have been trying to communicate with his family for several weeks and encourage them to contact us so that we can offer our support during this extraordinarily difficult time” , read a statement by Mission Foods.

On Thursday, Mission Foods officials confirmed that a second worker who tested positive for COVID-19 died on July 3, as reported to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Golden State Foods Corp. in Industry and S&S Foods in Azusa are the other two facilities that closed after county health officials said they had more than 40 cases and failed to notify the county as required.

“Our investigation has revealed that the company was aware of (an outbreak) at the company with the intention of withholding that information from people who were at very high risk of becoming seriously ill,” said Oscar Ramírez, the family’s attorney.

Mission Foods says it resumed normal operations at the Commerce facility one day after it was closed on July 27.

“During this short period of closure, we work closely with the Department of Public Health to review and explain our comprehensive COVID-19 protocols and procedures to protect the health and safety of our employees,” the company said in a statement.