Tyson to suspend operations at largest pork plant indefinitely due to coronavirus pandemic

Steve Stouffer, group president of Tyson Fresh Meats says that they have taken several measures for the wellbeing of their team during this coronavirus pandemic. However, due to the increase in the number of absentees, they will stop production for the time being. 

The Waterloo, Iowa, facility Tyson Foods Inc., has decided to suspend operations at its largest pork plant indefinitely. The plant will take responsibility for the employees who have been affected by the closure, and will be provided compensation. 

Previously, the company was forced to close a separate hog slaughterhouse in Iowa due to coronavirus spread among the employees of the factory. Tyson Fresh Meat, the beef and pork subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., informed that an opening date will depend on various factors of the pandemic. Later in the week, the plant is planning to test its 2,800 employees. 

Smithfield Foods, the largest pork processor in the nation, was also closed last week, as several of its employees were tested positive. Kenneth M. Sullivan, of Smithfield, said that the number of protein plants being closed during the pandemic brings the nation close to a scarcity in meat availability. 

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