SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken have sent a request to Smithfield Foods to close for 14 days and provide pay and benefits to those out of work.
The request is in response to the number of cases of COVID-19 tied to the plant.
On Saturday, the state Department of Health reported 238 cases at Smithfield — that is half of the total number of cases in Minnehaha County.
The letter says the suspension “would afford Smithfield time to isolate employees from one another, conduct appropriate testing of employees before they return to work.” The letter also states Smithfield could also have the opportunity to further disinfect workspaces, readjust operations for employee testing and establish distancing, and establish stronger protocols to screen employee health conditions.
Noem says she and Mayor TenHaken are looking forward to the response from Smithfield Foods following Saturday’s recommendation.
