A recent outbreak at Smithfield’s pork processing plant in Sioux Falls, S.D., is now one of the
largest Covid-19 hotspots in the U.S., with 644 confirmed cases tied to the facility. The Smithfield outbreak represents nearly half of all confirmed cases in that state.
Now, the Wisconsin plant, which
employs more than 1,000 workers, has more than two dozen confirmed cases and closed down on Wednesday for cleaning and sanitation.
Last week, Fox6 News, a local news affiliate,
reported on rising tensions within the Cudahy plant, with many workers expressing fear that the company was not doing enough to prevent an outbreak. Fox6 News
obtained records from the Cudahy Health Department showing at least 28 cases at the facility. William Garron, a former union rep, also told Fox, “They really trying to hide the number.” Following the report, Smithfield announced plans to close the plant for cleaning, and said only partial crews would work intermittently.
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