Animal protein processor JBS USA is reportedly reducing its beef production for two weeks at its Pennsylvania facility over the fears of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

According to Reuters, the managers at the facility reported flu-like symptoms, which forced the company to temporarily decrease production at its facility.

JBS USA in a statement said that the managers were sent to the home and advised to monitor their health as a precautionary measure.

However, the company did not reveal how much beef production will be reduced and if the employees were being tested for the virus.

JBS USA has become the first US meat plant to reduce production operations due to worries over the pandemic. It is reported to be the largest beef facility in the east of Chicago, with more than 1,000 workers.

Beef products manufactured at this facility is distributed to JBS customers in the eastern seaboard and worldwide.

JBS USA in a statement said that it will continue to run ‘fabrication and ground beef operations’ and expects that the situation would be normal on 14 April 2020.

Earlier this week, Canadian pork and meat processing firm Olymel announced temporary 14-day closure of its hog slaughter and cutting plant in Yamachiche due to an increased number of Covid-19 cases among employees.

The decision was announced in collaboration with the Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre (CIUSSS MCQ) public health department.

Olymel noted that the move to shut down its slaughter facility has been taken to protect the workers and limit community transmission.

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