President Trump is telling meatpacking plants to stay open as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
Citing the Defense Production Act, Trump signed an executive order Tuesday saying the plants are “critical infrastructure.” As part of the order, the federal government will provide additional protective gear for employees.
At least 20 meatpacking plants have closed over the past six weeks. The United Food and Commercial Workers, which represents thousands of meatpacking employees, says at least 5,000 employees have gotten sick or gone into quarantine. The union criticized the move, saying the food supply isn’t safe if workers aren’t safe.
Industry analysts say pork and beef processing has fallen 25 percent. Earlier this week, Tyson Foods board chair John Tyson said the food supply chain is breaking.
None of Emporia’s food processing plants — for human or pet food — have announced closures due to COVID-19.
