PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem says she talked with USDA and Smithfield on Thursday about the re-opening of the plant in Sioux Falls.
“We’re hopeful that soon, within a matter of days, that we could start to see some activities back in that plant that adequately protects the employees but also makes sure our nation’s food supply is flowing smoothly, as well.”
The Sioux Falls plant, one of the nation’s largest, has been closed for weeks, dealing with hundreds of workers with COVID-19.
Some labor and Immigration activists have asked to meet with Noem about their safety concerns at the plant.
“We will certainly be following up with them to see what we can facilitate,” says Noem. The activists want the Governor to authorize state health officials to fully enforce federal safety guidelines after the plant re-opens. Noem says she is reviewing President Trump’s recent order on keeping meatpacking plants open to see how it applies to the Smithfield situation.
State Health Secretary Kim Malsam-Rysdon points out that the CDC safety recommendations are just that – recommendations – and not requirements.
