Apr 16, 2020

Grand Island area now has most coronavirus cases in Nebraska

Posted Apr 16, 2020 5:07 PM

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A central Nebraska county with a major meatpacking plant and a lot of nursing homes and manufacturing facilities now has more coronavirus cases than any other county in the state.

Hall County confirmed 278 cases on Wednesday, surpassing the 263 known cases in Omaha’s Douglas County, even though Douglas County has nearly nine times as many residents.

Hall County, which includes Grand Island, has seen a spike in cases at the JBS USA meatpacking plant, the McCain Foods frozen appetizer factory, nursing homes and a health clinic.

Last week, the farm equipment manufacturer Case New Holland temporarily halted production to protect line workers who work in close proximity.