Part of German abattoir hit by coronavirus can reopen
German authorities have said that part of the Toennies slaughterhouse and meat packing complex in Rheda-Wiedenbrueck, which was recently hit by a coronavirus outbreak, can reopen.
The complex in Rheda-Wiedenbrueck closed in mid-June after around 1,500 workers tested positive for covid-19. An ensuing lockdown affected the 600,000 people in the surrounding Guetersloh region, which ended July 6.
Reuters reported that part of the Toennies complex was allowed to reopen on Wednesday, July 15, following agreement on new health, safety and hygiene guidelines. The reopened plants, Reuters said, have 597 employees involved in slaughtering and seven in meat processing; there, work can start immediately.
Efforts to resume work at the rest of the plants, also subject to additional guidelines, are underway, with hopes that they might reopen on Friday, July 17.
