President Donald Trump intends on Tuesday to order meat processing plants dealing with coronavirus outbreaks to remain open to protect the U.S. food supply, prompting a backlash from groups who claimed at-risk employees needed more protection.
With worries about food shortages and supply chain delays, Trump is likely to sign an executive order using the Defense Production Act to allow the plants to continue to work, a senior administration official said.
The five-page order is meant to provide businesses legal cover and additional protection against liability if workers contract the virus as a result of having to go to work.
The order would also guide companies to reduce exposure to staff who are more vulnerable to the virus, such as urging elderly employees to stay home and people with other serious health problems, the official added.
Some of the world’s largest meat companies have suspended activities in North America, with around 20 slaughterhouses and processing plants closed as workers became ill, raising global concerns of meat shortages.
Some farmers claimed it was too late, as pigs had already been euthanized in place of the pork being sold.
UFCW, the biggest U.S. meatpacking union, insisted that the government force meat processors supply slaughterhouse employees with “the highest level of protective equipment” and maintain the routine coronavirus monitoring.
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