New Mexico’s Stampede Meat has closed its meat processing facility for two weeks due to an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

According to television station KFOX, the state officials have ordered the company to shut the plant following the outbreak at the site.

KFOX reported that between 26 and 28 October, six employees working at the facility were infected by Covid-19, which led to the immediate closure of the plant.

The New Mexico Environment Department said that the Stampede Meat was among the three businesses that have been ordered to close their establishments.

According to KVIA-TV, it is the second outbreak at the Stampede facility since the pandemic began.

In May, more than Stampede 50 employees were tested positive for Covid-19, KVIA-TV reported.

In 2018, Stampede Meat acquired the Sundland Park facility from Tyson Foods and started on-site operations with 300 staff members.

KVIA-TV also reported that the Stampede Meat is planning to increase the workforce at the facility to 1,300 employees by 2024.

In May, Tyson Foods had to close its pork plant in Storm Lake, Iowa, as more than 500 employees working at the facility tested positive for Covid-19.

In September, the US Department of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) penalised JBS Foods in Greeley, Colorado, for failing to protect its employees from the coronavirus.

OSHA took the decision following a coronavirus-related inspection on the company, which operates as Swift Beef Company.

JBS Foods is found to have violated the general duty clause for failing to provide a workplace free from recognised hazards that can cause death or serious harm.