Meatpacking plants have become major vectors of the novel coronavirus, accelerating the pace of contagion in towns across the United States. An investigation by the Washington Post revealed that three of the largest meat-processing firms in the country — Tyson Foods, JBS USA, and Smithfield Foods — continued to operate well after the national social distancing guideline in March, severely compromising the health of a low-paid, largely immigrant workforce.

At least 3,300 workers at those three companies have fallen ill as a result, and at least seventeen have died. US meat production has reportedly fallen by about 25 percent, as sick and frightened workers stay home and understaffed plants are forced to close up shop.

On Tuesday, President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to mandate that meat-processing plants continue to operate, saying the closures “threaten the continued functioning of the national meat and poultry supply chain, undermining critical infrastructure during the national emergency.” The order authorizes the Department of Agriculture to ensure that meat-processing plants are exempt from mandatory shutdown orders, overriding emergency mitigation policies at the state and local levels. The Labor Department is expected to issue guidance in the coming days to insulate owners from any liability for keeping the plants open.