CLEVELAND – Daimler’s truck manufacturing plant has seen 13 employees test positive for COVID-19 since mid-June, according to a Daimler spokesperson.

That number is an increase of five since the company said June 26 that there were eight positives. Employees who came into contact with those who tested positive have been directed to quarantine at home.

The spokesperson said the plant is still using the same safety and prevention measures, including:

• Temperature screening every arriving team member or visitor with a non-contact laser thermometer.
• Promoting social distancing in the facility.
• Issuing appropriate protective equipment.
• Adding additional cleaning staff and increasing frequency, thoroughness and duration of cleaning.
• Distributing cleaning supplies for frequent wiping down of shared tools.
• Providing extra time prior to the start of work to wipe down and sanitize tools.
• Communicating all relevant CDC health recommendations to our employees.

Local cases have continued a steady climb. There were more than 1,325 confirmed positive cases in Rowan County as of Sunday and 6,038 negative tests with 963 recoveries. There have been 98 hospitalizations and 43 deaths due to the illness. Only 228 cases have occurred in congregate living facilities.