
In 2018, the White House administration allowed 54 meat processing plants to speed up production by 25%. Throughout 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic spread like wildfire, COVID-19 cases have been 10 times higher in facilities allowed to process poultry at this faster pace. Such maneuvers have contributed to the virulence of hot spots at these particular factories along with the surrounding towns and communities. President Elect Biden vows to allow proper distancing, protection, and processing at meat plants to slow the spread of coronavirus in these settings and maintain safety. That is, if the Trump administration doesn’t sign a “midnight regulation” to further this deadly maneuver by attempting to make these standards permanent and more widespread. – Summary by Dr. Jacki Hart.