Tyson Fresh Meats to partially resume operations at Columbus Junction

US-based Tyson Fresh Meats has announced that it will partially resume operations at its pork plant in Columbus Junction, Iowa, which has been idle for two weeks due to coronavirus (Covid-19) concerns.

Tyson Fresh Meats is the beef and pork subsidiary of Tyson Foods. The Columbus Junction pork plant is engaged in the production of fresh, boxed pork for shipment to foodservice and retail customers worldwide.

Tyson Foods noted that the decision to suspend operations at the facility was taken out of an ‘abundance of caution’.

Tyson Foods president Dean Banks said: “Our first priority is protecting our team members while they fulfil their critical mission of feeding families across the country during this challenging time.

“We plan to increase production at Columbus Junction gradually, with the safety of our team member’s top of mind.”

Earlier this month, Tyson Foods temporarily suspended operations at its pork plant in Columbus Junction in Iowa as more than two dozen employees working at the facility were affected by Covid-19.

Tyson Foods noted that its other meat and poultry plants will continue to operate, with few plants running at reduced levels of production either due to the planned implementation of additional worker safety precautions.

In some facilities, the company has suspended operations for one day for deep cleaning and sanitisation activities.

The company created a coronavirus taskforce in January and has implemented numerous measures to protect workers.

To promote social distancing, the company has also installed workstation dividers at many of its facilities, as well as provided more breakroom space.