Dakota News Now reports an employee at the Smithfield plant in Sioux Falls has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Smithfield Foods Executive Vice President Keira Lombardo says the employee is being quarantined for 14 days with pay.  The employee can return to work after they are cleared by their health care provider.

"We immediately carried out all the actions contained in our COVID-19 processes and protocols that follow the strict guidelines of the CDC," Lombardo said, via a press release.

Lombardo added, "This included thoroughly sanitizing the employee’s work area, as well as all common areas. This is on top of the enhanced cleaning and disinfection we have already instituted at all our locations. In addition, all employees at the facility have been notified."

According to Sioux Falls Business Development, Smithfield employs between 8500 to 9000 people, making it the city's third-largest employer overall and the largest non-medical employer.

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