x
Breaking News
More () »

JBS Worthington reopens for meat processing

The facility will conduct screenings for workers, and any worker who exhibits symptoms or fails the screening process will be tested for COVID-19

WORTHINGTON, Minn. — The JBS Worthington meat processing plant has partially reopened operations Wednesday.

The facility closed last month after around 500 of its workers tested positive for coronavirus.

The reopening of the plant follows President Trump signing an executive order to keep meat processors open during the pandemic. JBS will be operating with reduced staff.

During the plant closure, the facility had to euthanize hogs, but as it reopens workers will now go back to processing.

Local union partners of the plant sent a letter outlining the preventative measures that will be set in place. This includes enforced social distancing, frequent and thorough disinfecting, and daily communication between management and work staff.

The facility will also conduct health screenings for workers, and any worker who exhibits symptoms or fails the screening process prior to entering the factory will be tested for COVID-19, according to the company.

The union's president Matt Utecht said he was pleasantly surprised with how well things were running with social distancing, work station dividers and the amount of meat they were able to process even with less staff.

RELATED: Coronavirus cutting 'deep scars' through meatpacking cities

RELATED: JBS Worthington to reopen partially

RELATED: Rep. Peterson: 'About 3 weeks away from not having pork on the shelves'

KARE 11’s coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visit kare11.com/coronavirus for comprehensive coverage, find out what you need to know about the Midwest specifically, learn more about the symptoms, and see what companies in Minnesota are hiring. Have a question? Text it to us at 763-797-7215. And get the latest coronavirus updates sent right to your inbox every morning. Subscribe to the KARE 11 Sunrise newsletter here. Help local families in need: www.kare11.com/give11

The state of Minnesota has set up a hotline for general questions about coronavirus at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903, available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is also a data portal online at mn.gov/covid19.

Before You Leave, Check This Out