U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the 28th local time to allow meat processing companies that are on the verge of collapsing their supply chain due to the spread of the new COVID-19
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 28th local time that the measure will ease the pressure on meat and livestock workers who are suffering from food supply disruptions caused by the pressure to shut down the plant, but it is expected to face criticism from labor unions and others who have claimed that the shutdown is a necessary step to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Bloomberg also said the U.S. government will designate meat factories as infrastructure that plays an essential role in food supply under the Defense Material Production Act (DPA) and provide protective equipment and work instructions to employees.
The National Defense Commodity Production Act gives the federal government a broad mandate to demand private production of strategic goods. President Trump said earlier that he would increase the supply of medical devices such as respirators, masks, and cotton swabs, and that he would invoke or invoke the law.
It is the first time President Trump has invoked the law to revitalize the food supply chain.
President Trump’s decision comes amid growing concerns over a shortage of food supplies due to a series of cases of COVID-19 confirmed cases at the U.S. meat factory or shutting down factories under state guidelines.
In the United States, the closure of restaurants and schools due to COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the food supply chain due to falling demand and prices for agricultural products. The WSJ says dozens of large meat factories have been closed in recent weeks due to employee COVID-19 infections.
The order requires Agriculture Secretary Sony Purdue to take all necessary steps to ensure that meat and poultry processing facilities continue to operate.
In addition, the Ministry of Labor plans to issue guidelines to protect the plant owners from legal responsibilities arising from factory restarts.
At the same time, the Labor Ministry’s guidelines are expected to include protecting workers from infectious diseases, such as allowing workers aged 65 or older or at risk with underlying diseases to stay at home.
