File photo
File photo
A north central Illinois pork processing plant returned to operations following a COVID-19 outbreak.
Hormel reopened Rochelle Foods in Rochelle on May 14. The facility was closed for two weeks after 24 workers tested positive for the coronavirus.
In response to the disease, the plant was deep cleaned and its workstations reconfigured. Returning workers are expected to adhere to social distancing measures laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Richard Carlson, vice president of quality assurance at Hormel Foods, said his company prioritizes the safety of its workers and products and intends to keep doing so after the Rochelle plant’s reopening.
As of June 11, Illinois reported 129,837 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 6,095 deaths. Ogle County has 224 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Citing the Defense Production Act, President Donald Trump has ordered all meatpacking and meat-processing facilities to stay open.
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