April 12, 2020
The Smithfield pork processing plant in Sioux Falls, S.D. has become a new hotspot for COVID-19 cases in the state. As of Wednesday, April 8, South Dakota has 393 confirmed cases, and six fatalities. The Smithfield plant accounts for 80 of the diagnosed cases, 1/5th of the overall reported number. However, the employees’ union estimates that the number of infected individuals is closer to 120.
The plant has been under scrutiny for its treatment of the issue. Local union and health officials have argued that despite screening and additional sanitary precautions, the plant has failed to provide adequate measures in time to curb outbreaks. Additionally, reports have surfaced that the company is offering a $500 bonus to any employees who don’t call out sick for the month of April, as well as implementing a penalization system where workers lose points for taking sick days. While representatives from the plant say that these measures are accompanied by instructions for employees to attend to their health as needed, union officials argue that they seem to incentivize workers to come in even if they are feeling unwell.
Source: Groves, Stephen. 2020, April 10. South Dakota pork plant sees rash of COVID-19 cases. Associated Press.