COVID-19 news: Pork plant worker dies; Missouri says workers must go back to jobs
A Buchanan County man in his 40s who worked for Triumph Foods in St. Joseph has died after testing positive for COVID-19, city officials said.
The man, who had underlying health conditions, had tested positive for the coronavirus on April 22, according to the city.
Triumph Foods has been linked to a large coronavirus outbreak.
Earlier this week, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced that ramped up testing of employees and contract workers at the plant found 412 of 2,367 workers had COVID-19 but were not showing symptoms.
The testing was conducted at the plant from April 27 to May 1.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that an employee of Triumph Foods, who had previously tested positive for COVID-19, has passed away,” Triumph Foods said in a statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.”
The worker was one of the first employees tested and had not returned to work since April 21, the company said.
“This is a sad time for our entire company, as the loss of any life is difficult,” the company said. “Our focus continues to be on monitoring this situation and implementing all measures that will help to ensure the health and safety of our employees”
Workers could lose unemployment benefits
Workers refusing to return to work as stores and restaurants begin reopening in Kansas and Missouri could lose their unemployment benefits — even if they don’t feel safe going back to work.
“If your boss calls you and tells you to come back to work, you’ve got to fulfill that requirement,” Missouri Gov. Mike Parson recently told reporters in Jefferson City.
The state expects workers to return or forfeit their unemployment benefits, Parson has said.
In Kansas, however, each worker’s situation is considered on a case-by-case basis.
“There will be no blanket rule. We really do feel it’s something we need to individualize because everybody’s circumstance will be different,” Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly told The Star editorial board in a conference call Friday.
Workers considered at high risk for COVID-19 may be able to refuse to return to work while retaining their benefits, according to the Kansas Department of Labor. But those not considered at high risk or caring for high-risk individuals could be disqualified from the unemployment program.
Committee recommends Overland Park keeps outdoor pools closed
An Overland Park committee on Wednesday recommended the city keep all of its outdoor pools closed this summer because of the spread of COVID-19.
The community development committee voted 5-1 to keep the outdoor pools closed. The final decision rests with the full City Council, which will likely take up the issue at its next meeting May 18.
“This is a tough choice. There are just so many unknowns this summer,” Overland Park Councilman and committee chair Curt Skoog said. “I think the only reasonable choice is to not open outdoor pools this year.”
So far, Prairie Village and Roeland Park have decided to cancel their pool seasons. Lenexa officials are preparing to open only one of the city’s three outdoor pools — the Indian Trails Aquatic Center, in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park at 87th Street Parkway and Lackman Road.
In Missouri, Independence decided to cancel its pool season, closing the city’s Adventure Oasis Water Park.
Kansas City will likely decide by the end of the week whether to open its spray grounds, aquatic centers and public pools, said Doug Schroeder of Kansas City Parks and Recreation. Many other area cities are still debating whether to open pools.
Missouri lawmakers vote shield nursing homes, health care providers
Missouri lawmakers voted Tuesday to limit the liability that nursing homes, healthcare companies and their workers face while the state is under a state of emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic.
State Rep. Dan Houx, a Warrensburg Republican, attached the measure to a Senate bill that would limit a company’s liability when donating food that is shelf-stable.
The limits of the bill are unclear.
The Missouri Trial Attorneys Association, whose members frequently represent the plaintiffs in medical negligence cases, said that if passed it would protect all medical negligence regardless of cause as long as Missouri was under a state of emergency.
“This language would provide complete immunity to the nursing homes and long-term care facilities in which massive outbreaks of COVID-19 have led to a substantial number of the COVID-19 deaths in Missouri,” Brett Emison, MATA president, said in an email.
Because of the changes made to the bill in the Missouri House, the Missouri Senate has to vote at least one more time to pass the legislation before it can reach the governor’s desk.
