The Harmony beef processing plant in Calgary was only closed for a few days after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency worked with provincial health authorities and management on providing a safe workplace.
Harmony Beef made the decision to close the plant. Inspectors were allowed to work while risk was assessed and none refused to work.
Harmony Beef resumed operations on March 31.
Meanwhile High River’s Cargill beef processing plant has gone to one shift a day as a precaution to prevent COVID-19. That reduces throughput by 1,500 head a day to about 3,000 head.
Some U.S. beef plants have also reduced production.
The Canadian Cattlemen's Association has recommended a return to a set-aside policy used during the BSE days in 2003. Beef producers were encouraged to hold cattle from market longer than usual as there was less processing capacity.
