Hundreds of meat workers have tested positive for coronavirus, plants forced to close down across the country

With possible food shortages, Thomas Massie said it could get 'ugly.'

Several meat processing plants around the United States have temporarily shuttered their doors following hundreds of workers testing positive for coronavirus. This comes at a time when Americans are trying to stock up on food as they experience supply chains being disrupted.

Health officials are investigating a beef plant in northern Colorado after as many as 50 employees tested positive for COVID-19, and two died from the lethal respiratory disease. The meat processing plant that employs 6,000 people in Greely, Colorado, is about 50 miles north of Denver and is owned by the Brazil-based JBS S.A., one of the world's largest meat processors.

JBS has since partnered with the state and federal government, including Vice President Mike Pence, who heads the White House Coronavirus Task Force.

"At this time, our team is working with the governor and working with the senator to ensure that we (send) testing resources," Pence said during a White House briefing, after speaking to Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) about the Greeley plant.

"While the measures we have taken within our facility to improve safety have made a positive impact, COVID-19 remains a threat across the United States and in Weld County, which is why we are investing more than $1 million in COVID-19 testing kits for our team members," Andre Nogueira, JBS USA CEO, said in a statement.

The meat-packing plant will be closed for the three-day holiday weekend, as was previously scheduled, as well as Tuesday to give employees time off to be tested for the coronavirus and for the premises to be thoroughly cleaned.

Tyson Foods, another one of the world's biggest meat processors, suspended operations at its pork plant in Columbus Junction, Iowa. That's where more than...

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