Trump to order U.S. meat processing plants to stay open despite coronavirus fears

By Jeff Mason and Tom Polansek WASHINGTON/CHICAGO (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Tuesday plans to order meat processing plants concerned about coronavirus outbreaks to stay open to protect the food supply in the United States, drawing a backlash from unions who said at-risk workers required more protection. With concerns about food shortages and supply chain disruptions, Trump is expected to sign an executive order using the Defense Production Act to mandate that the plants continue to function, a senior administration official said. The five-page order is designed to give companies such as Tyson Foods Inc and others legal cover with more liability protection in case employees catch the virus as a result of having to go to work.

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