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Smithfield Foods Closing Additional Pork-Processing Plants

COVID-19 concerns cited after employees at 2 facilities test positive, and 1 worker is hospitalized with the disease.

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Smithfield Foods Inc. is ceasing operations indefinitely at its St. Charles, Illinois pork-processing plant as of April 27. According to one source, at least 19 workers at the site have tested positive for COVID-19, with one worker currently hospitalized. Smithfield also is planning to suspend operations at its Monmouth, Illinois facility since the company reported a “small portion” of its workers there also have tested positive for the virus.


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