Doctors urge that slaughterhouses be shut down amid Coronavirus fears

There have been global reports of COVID-19 outbreaks in meat factories, however many of these have stayed in business. In late April Donald Trump signed an executive order essentially forcing meat production plants to remain open amid the growing pandemic.

Now, the Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine is demanding that slaughterhouses with Coronavirus outbreaks be shut down immediately. The advocacy organisation of healthcare professionals and doctors have filed a complaint with the director of the Iowa Department of Public Health.

According to The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, as of June 30th, there have been at least 26,300 positive cases of coronavirus reportedly tied to at least 244 meatpacking plants in 33 states in the US. According to their database, using news reports, company press releases, state data and original reporting, they have also found 95 worker deaths at 39 plants in 24 states.

Following this, the PCRM has argued that meatpacking facilities are breeding grounds for COVID-19 outbreaks and their closure is in the best interest for public health. A lack of social distancing, poor ventilation and unsanitary conditions contribute to the growing concern.

They have claimed that the ‘current public health emergency highlights the need to transition the food production system away from animal agriculture’.

| Article by Martha Moody- United Kingdom