Chobani employee Daniel Slosek receives a COVID-19 vaccination from Chenango Memorial Hospital RN Terri Grey-Wessels as part of Chobani’s effort to help their employee receive vaccinations. (Submitted photo)

NEW BERLIN – Chobani has partnered with Chenango Memorial Hospital to provide its employees with a free COVID-19 vaccination at their facility in South Edmeston.

According to Chobani Media Lead John Kell, since the start of the pandemic, Chobani has been focused on the health and safety of its employees — implementing safety protocols that have often gone beyond guidelines, providing special benefits to its essential workers, and keeping its plants operating safely 24/7.

“In a continuation of our support, Chobani will offer our employees a free COVID-19 vaccination at our South Edmeston, NY, plant on April 15 and April 22,” said Kell. “We will be working with UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, New York, to ensure safe administration of the vaccination.”

“Chobani employees that opt for a vaccine can use the six hours of time off we provided to our workforce earlier this year to encourage vaccinations.”

Kell said throughout the pandemic, Chobani — with roughly 2,200 employees across the United States and manufacturing in South Edmeston, NY and Twin Falls, ID — has continuously ensured that the health of its employees was its number one priority.

“We have done everything possible to keep them safe during these uncertain times, including social distancing, PPE, health screenings, temperature checks, and masks,” he said. “Other innovative ways to support our employees include paying special incremental bonuses to all hourly plant employees for the past three quarters, which are continuing, and an ongoing daily childcare subsidy.”

“In Chobani’s hometown communities in New York and Idaho, from testing through vaccinations, we’ve been there with our health department partners throughout the pandemic, helping frontline workers, teachers, and vulnerable communities.”

- By Zachary Meseck, Sun Staff Writer