JBS reopens its Worthington pork plant

Temperature rollback. Living in Minnesota, we are all pretty used to “two steps forward, one step back” weather. For the rest of this week, it’s taking a step back again, bringing temps down to below average across Minnesota. Highs tomorrow will be in the 50s to lower 60s, and temps will continue to tumble this weekend.

COVID-19 in Minnesota today: 485 deaths, 8,579 confirmed cases; 1 in 20 test positive in Nobles Co. The escalation in positive cases continues to be driven by a handful of counties with outbreaks at meatpacking plants. Cases in Nobles County in southwestern Minnesota, where an outbreak centered around the JBS pork plant in Worthington, continue to swell. The plant, after a two-week shutdown, resumed its operation on Wednesday.

As some Minnesotans continue to buy nonessential items from essential businesses, small retailers say “it’s unfair.” Mick Kenis, who owns a furniture shop that’s been shut due to the stay-at-home order, went to one of his competitors that was able to open, and saw customers “came out with their sofas or came out with their recliner.” Kenis, who says his store is big enough for customers and employees to keep a safe distance, says “I think it’s unfair” that his store has to be shut under the order while some others don’t.

“Sorry, we have to cancel.” Many vacationers are canceling resort reservations because of the coronavirus pandemic. Some resorts have chosen not to open at all. Those that do are having to reimagine the summer experience in the era of social distancing. Andy Leonard, whose family runs the East Silent Lake Resort east of Pelican Rapids, said “The email I'm getting [a lot of] is, ‘We have to cancel for the summer. And it's heartbreaking to us,’” he said. “I just got one the other day that said, ‘Unfortunately, I think my kids are going to revolt on me and their mom. But we have to cancel for this summer.’ ”

Facing unprecedented COVID-19 restrictions, Minnesota chaplains are still comforting others. Chaplains in hospitals and in the community offer spiritual solace and sometimes help connect families to loved ones separated to limit coronavirus spread. The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly diminished the power of closeness and touch.

— Jiwon Choi and Matt Mikus, MPR News