ST. PAUL (LEARFIELD) – Governor Tim Walz says he “would be hesitant” to call in the National Guard to operate meat processing plants that have been shut down due to COVID-19 cases:

“I think we have to get this up with the those workers who are trained, with those workers who are there and with workers who trust and employers who trust that they are working together,” said Walz.

The governor’s comment comes as the union representing workers at the J-B-S pork plant in Worthington says that facility is planning to re-open Wednesday.

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 6-6-3 said the “kill side” of the plant will open following an executive order from President Donald Trump.

J-B-S executives say a long list of precautions will be taken to keep personnel safe and healthy. Union officials say social distancing will be enforced and adds that the Worthington facility was cleaned floor to ceiling during its shutdown.