LOGANSPORT — Today, the Cass County Commissioners voted to close the Tyson pork processing facility in Logansport.

The closure follows a sudden uptick in coronavirus cases among their workforce. The IndyStar reports that 146 employees there have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Tyson has voluntarily agreed to close for 14 days so that complete testing and tracing may occur.

“While we understand the necessity of keeping our facilities operational so that we can continue to feed the nation, the safety of our team members remains our top priority,” said Steve Stouffer, group president of Tyson Fresh Meats. “Our company is deeply embedded in our plant communities, including Logansport. We’re working with the county to make sure our people and the community are safe. The combination of worker absenteeism, COVID-19 cases and community concerns has resulted in a collective decision to close.”

Fox 59 reports that production there is expected to stop by this Saturday. The plant employs more than 2,200.

According to Fox 59, the Indiana Farm Bureau asked the Indiana State Department of Health and the Board of Animal Health to work with Tyson and other local officials to reopen the plant as soon as possible.

Tyson officials had previously closed the plant on Monday for thorough cleaning.

Source: WSBT