JBS closes its Colorado beef plant for a while.
The Greeley, Colorado, location of JBS USA has stated that it would be temporarily closed until April 24. Weld County’s outbreak involving the JBS factory has been verified by Governor Jared Polis. With more than 6,000 workers, JBS is the county’s biggest employer.
“As soon as we can verify that the workers are safe, we will work to restore this vital component of our country’s food security. There is an outbreak there,” Mr. Polis stated. “JBS is developing a strong containment strategy in collaboration with Weld County Public Health.”
There are now 740 positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Weld County, according to the department of health and environment in the county. At least 16 confirmed positive cases were present at the factory as of April 7.
The county health agency last week launched an epidemiological investigation in response to walkouts, call-outs, and complaints over worker safety at the facility.
On April 7, the Weld County Health Department announced, “We have started our epidemiological investigation and are aware of the situation at JBS.” “Our health officer has discussed matters with the JBS executive group. We are giving any cases that might be connected to JBS quick priority because we take this problem seriously. To assist with this study, we have even hired more disease investigators.
In order to process the current product at the factory, the Greeley beef facility will be closing its doors over the next three days with less staff. Employees in Greeley are being advised by the corporation to remain indoors until they may report back to work. During the plant closure, the corporation will keep paying its employees.
According to JBS USA CEO Andre Nogueira, “the ongoing spread of coronavirus in Weld County requires decisive action, even though the Greeley beef facility is critical to the US food supply and local producers.” “We feel that as a prominent member of this community, we have a responsibility to contribute to the efforts being made by our first responders and local health professionals to combat the coronavirus.”
The company is contributing $90,000 to the Greeley Personal Isolation Facility, which houses recovering COVID patients, as part of the community’s response to the Weld County outbreak. Additionally, the company is providing some funding to restock personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders and vital city workers in the community.
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Greeley Mayor John Gates stated, “The city is deeply grateful for the kind donation of funds to ensure that vital protective equipment is available for our city’s first responders as they perform their essential duties in service to the community.” The provision of supplementary funds to facilitate the administration of a Personal Isolation Facility is expected to guarantee hospital beds for the sickest COVID-19 patients.
Additionally, the business is buying up to 1,000 COVID-19 test kits for Weld County individuals who need to be tested but lack insurance or have low incomes. The business had earlier declared that $1 million would be donated to buy test kits. But instead of putting its workers through testing, the business is shutting down the plant and self-quarantining Greeley staff members until the operation reopens.
Additionally, the business is contributing $100,000 to the Weld County Food Bank and $50,000 to the United Way of Weld County for the purpose of buying masks and other COVID-19 relief supplies.
Jeanine Truswell, CEO and president of United Way of Weld County, stated, “As always, we’re proud that JBS USA is a part of the Weld County community, and their contributions during this challenging time are a further testament to the kind of partner they are.” “We will be able to give masks to our neighbors, help local families and the elderly with basic needs, and take other critical actions in our community’s fight against the coronavirus thanks to this generous donation.”
Over 60 plants for meat, poultry, and prepared foods are run by JBS USA all over the country. The Greeley The Souderton, Pennsylvania, beef production facility is the first JBS USA plant to close temporarily, followed by the beef facility.