July 7, 2020

2.2% of JBS beef plant workers at Goiania, Brazil infected with COVID-19

A JBS statement sent to Reuters said 2.2% of its Goiania beef plant workers have been sent on leave after positive COVID-19 tests, Reuters reported.

The statement was provided by JBS after the company was questioned if it will continue operations after a labour court decision ordered the company to test all workers for COVID-19 at the beef plant after an outbreak was discovered.

The JBS Goiania beef plant has 900 workers. It is still operating.

Brazilian state labour prosecutors said 64 workers are COVID-19 positive at the plant, compared to the 20 workers that JBS confirmed.

China had suspended imports from a JBS pork plant and poultry plant located in Rio Grande do Sul. No reasons were given for the suspension, but it may be related to the surging number of COVID-19 cases in Brazil.

Brazil's Agriculture Ministry, which is currently in discussion with authorities in China to reverse the bans, said there are 102 Brazilian meat plans that are approved for exports to China.

Six slaughterhouses have been suspended for export to China in total. One plant is owned by competitor BRF.

JBS said it will strictly monitor its workers and track suspected COVID-19 cases, adding that it is complying with federal and state health regulations. JBS did not comment on the lawsuit.

-      Reuters