In Crete, Reeder said the plant is sending home sick workers but has to do a better job of identifying and isolating their co-workers next to and across from them on the production line. Workers who cut and package meat work in close quarters, and it’s often difficult, if not impossible, to space them 6 feet apart.

“If they’re not going to find a way to distance these people, they need to do a better job of tracing and quarantining,” he said.

Smithfield representatives say the company has taken a number of steps to slow the spread of the virus, including thermal scans to identify employees with elevated temperatures; increased personal protective equipment, including face shields and masks; plastic and other physical barriers on the production floor and in break rooms; social distancing where possible; and increased cleaning and sanitation.

Crete Mayor Dave Bauer said he understands both sides of the argument over keeping meat processing plants open. The Smithfield plant is Crete’s largest employer.