Union: More Than 3,000 US Meatpacking Workers Are Infected With COVID-19

The US's largest workers' union said Thursday more than 3,000 meatpacking workers have tested positive for COVID-19.

44 workers have died in the pandemic so far.

According to Reuters, the announcement reflects an increasing toll on plan employees.

Meat processors like Tyson Foods Inc, WH Group’s Smithfield Foods and JBS USA temporarily closed about 20 slaughterhouses last month.

As workers sickened and stayed away from the plants, shortages of certain products in grocery stores ensued.

Despite concerns about outbreaks, President Donald Trump ordered meat-processing plants to stay open to protect the country’s food supply.