Sunday, December 13, 2020

COVID-19 cases increase at Better Beef

The number of workers testing positive has climbed from 21 to 35 at the Better Beef plant in Guelph.


Another person who works at a separate packing and distribution plant has also tested positive; according to union spokesman Tim Deelstra but not confirmed by the Wellington-Dufferin Health Unit.


Before the increased numbers over the weekend, Deelstra said the outbreak has slowed lines at the beef-packing plant which is the largest east of Alberta.


Ontario’s beef farmers have been suffering through a prolonged shortage of packing capacity following the closure of Ryding-Regency in Toronto because it failed to meet Canadian Food Inspection Agency standards.


There have been a number of reports that the plant is under new ownership which intends to re-open the plant, but so far it hasn’t happened.