[Integrated management method in the prevention department of a COVID-19 epidemic outbreak in a large meat processing plant in Bari province]. / Modalità di gestione integrata nel dipartimento di prevenzione di un focolaio epidemico di COVID-19 in un grande stabilimento di lavorazione di carni della provincia di Bari.

ABSTRACT

Aim of this paper is to describe the management of an outbreak of COVID-19 in a slaughtering and meat processing plant in Bari Province (Southern Italy). At the end of the outbreak investigation, 18.4% of the employees were positive to the molecular test for SARS-CoV-2. Higher prevalence has been reported in the bovine slaughtering house and swine meat processing plant.In addition to lack of physical distancing and correct use of personal protective equipment, the spread of the virus has been eased by low level of literacy, indoor microclimate, intensive working time, and aerosol-generating procedures in specific areas of the processing plant where more positive cases have been detected. The analysis of this cluster may suggest specific actions to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.