LIVINGSTON, Calif. — A chicken processing plant in central California has been ordered to shut down after it became the site of one of the largest and most severe COVID-19 outbreaks in the state.

The Merced Sun-Star reports Foster Farms Livingston Facility was ordered to close on Wednesday. At least 358 employees have tested positive and eight employees died because of the coronavirus. Officials issued a 48-hour stay of the order.

Foster Farms said in a statement the plant continued to operate Friday, that there would be comprehensive testing and that follow up testing would be done.