Seafood Plant Fined After COVID-19 Outbreak

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) – A seafood processing plant has been fined $56,000 in connection with a 2021 COVID outbreak that left one employee dead.

The Department of Labor and Industries announced the fine against Shining Ocean Inc. on Monday.

According to the agency, a 65-year old employee of the Sumner company died after contracting COVID at a company staff meeting on November 4, 2021.

During the meeting, the investigation found most of the 23 people in attendance did not wear masks.

Sixteen workers contracted COVID, including the man who later died.

Shining Ocean has paid the fine in full.