Covid-19: JBS USA temporarily closes Greeley beef facility

Global food company JBS USA has announced the temporary closure of the Greeley beef production facility to limit the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19).

The company noted that its production facility will be shut until 24 April in order to support the efforts to fight against Covid-19 in Weld County, Colorado.

Weld County has registered nearly 740 positive cases until now.

Over the next two days, the company will be winding up operations at its beef production facility and operate with few team members to ensure the existing product in the facility can be used to support food supply needs.

JBS USA CEO Andre Nogueira said: “While the Greeley beef facility is critical to the US food supply and local producers, the continued spread of coronavirus in Weld County requires decisive action.

“As a leading member of this community, we believe we must do our part to support our local health professionals and first responders leading the fight against coronavirus.”

The company is planning to provide funding for the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders and essential city workers.

It also intends to provide protective suits for Greeley fire, police and transit officials and fund the purchase of antibody testing for first responders.

Additionally, JBS USA will be donating $90,000 to the Greeley Personal Isolation Facility to house patients recovering from the infection to accommodate critically ill individuals at the hospitals.

To meet the increasing need for food during the pandemic, the company also committed $100,000 to the Weld County Food Bank.

Weld Food Bank CEO Bob O’Connor said: “Because of donors like JBS USA, the Weld Food Bank is able to provide healthy meals to those who need them most.

“JBS USA is helping to ensure that people in our community are receiving proper nutrition, and we are extremely grateful for the company’s ongoing support.”