Several processing plants in the U.S. are sitting idle this week because workers are sick with the coronavirus. Other facilities are still operating, but fewer workers are showing up.
Tyson Foods says it has suspended operations at its pork plant in Columbus Junction, Iowa, pictured in February 2013, after more than two dozen workers got sick with COVID-19.Tyson Foods says it has suspended operations at its pork plant in Columbus Junction, Iowa, pictured in February 2013, after more than two dozen workers got sick with COVID-19.Several meat processing plants around the U.S. are sitting idle this week because workers are infected with the coronavirus.
Christine McCracken, a top meat industry analyst with RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, told NPR via email that these plant closings aren't yet having a significant impact on the overall supply of meat to consumers, but there's increasing concern in the industry about worker shortages. In a statement released Monday, Tyson Foods said it is taking a variety of measures to reduce the risk of infection. The company is buying protective face coverings for employees, increasing the spacing or erecting dividers between workers inside its plants, and setting up tents or outdoor spaces for employees to use during breaks. In some cases, these measures are slowing down production.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Boeing suspending 787 production at South Carolina plantAirplane manufacturing giant Boeing announced on Monday it would suspend 787 production at South Carolina plant amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more »
Boeing suspending 787 production at South Carolina plantBoeing Co said on Monday it would suspend production of its 787 airplane at its facilities in South Carolina amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more »
Promises of hope during coronavirus pandemic as people who fell seriously ill begin recoveryAmanda Phommachanh was able to embrace her husband, Titou Phommachanh, on Thursday for the first time since he was admitted to a Virginia hospital over three weeks ago for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. “One of the hardest things is when he's asking, ‘If I go on the ventilator, do you know how
Read more »
Madagascar to plant 60 million trees to help fight climate changeMadagascar, one of the world's oldest islands, plans a massive tree planting drive to celebrate 60 years of independence – and to fight climate change in the process
Read more »