May 29, 2020

A local labour court has ordered the closure of JBS SA beef plant in Brazil's state of Rondonia until the company tests all employees in the facility for the new coronavirus, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

In his ruling on Tuesday, according to the court statement, Labour Judge Wadler Ferreira said JBS's unit in the town of São Miguel do Guaporé "is the main source of contamination and spread of the virus."

The ruling said more than 60% of the cases already confirmed in the municipality were linked to the company. JBS did not comment on the court decision specifically.

In a statement sent to Reuters, the company said protecting employees "is a priority." Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, JBS had adopted a strict prevention protocol at all its meat production sites, the statement said.