SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The national president of the union that represents Smithfield workers in Sioux Falls is critical of Gov. Kristi Noem’s comments about how the workforce got the coronavirus.

She said 99 percent of the virus spread was not inside the plant.

Marc Perrone thinks the comment blames the large immigrant and refugee communities that work at the plant for getting sick instead of the conditions inside the plant.

Perrone is concerned about not having the protective equipment necessary to protect each worker.

Perrone, other United Food and Commercial worker leaders, and workers from packing plants around the country spoke to reporters via Zoom.

Perrone also urges Smithfield workers in Sioux Falls to not participate in the state’s trial of hydroxychloroquine.

President Donald Trump and Gov. Kristi Noem believe the anti-malarial drug could be a cure for the coronavirus.

Perrone says 44 percent of the positive cases in the state are Smithfield workers.

“We are very, very concerned about it and we strongly recommend that our members do not take part in that study,” Perrone said.

He says the studies he’s seen show it has a higher death rate than those who did not take the drug.

The union boss says like the packing companies, he wants the plant to open as soon as possible–safely. He says he understands the impact the closures have on the nation’s food supply, on cattle producers, consumers, the packing companies, and the workers.

He says ten union members across the country have died from the coronavirus and 5,000 workers have been exposed to COVID-19

Perrone says the UFCW represents about 80% of the nation’s workers at beef and pork packing plants, 33% of chicken processing employees, and about 40% of food processors.

Perrone, other union leaders, and workers from around the country (including Sioux Falls) spoke to reporters this afternoon via Zoom.