The meatpacking plant closed for testing and cleaning after 3 workers died and 30 others tested positive.
After a week of testing and cleaning at the JBS meatpacking plant in Greeley, it will resume operations on Friday, April 24, according to reports.
The plant had to temporarily shut down after three workers died as a result of coronavirus and 30 others tested positive for the virus. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health was in charge of disinfecting the facility.
"While the Greeley beef facility is critical to the U.S. food supply and local producers, the continued spread of coronavirus in Weld County requires decisive action," said Andre Nogueira, JBS USA CEO, in a statement when the meatpacking plant was first closed. "As a leading member of this community, we believe we must do our part to support our local health professionals and first responders leading the fight against coronavirus."
And now, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has given the JBS meatpacking plant approval to reopen, but under strict safety measures and guidelines. Those safety measures include:
- Sharing key information with JBS employees.
- Requiring employees to wear face masks throughout their shift. (Masks will be provided by JBS.)
- Placing hand sanitizer throughout the production facility.
- Implementing social distancing measures for all workers.
- Increasing signage/communications in appropriate languages by JBS.
Those who return to work at the production facility will need to go through a daily screening process upon entry, as well as partake in testing on-site.
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