WASHINGTON, D.C. (WNAX) – President Trump has now ordered meat packing plants to reopen under the Defense Production Act, designating them as critical infrastructure.

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst and South Dakota Senator John Thune held a joint conference call with reporters.

Ernst says there have been suggested safety guidelines for the plants.

Ernst says workers have to feel safe before they will go back to work.

Thune says extra testing and equipment can help reassure workers.

Thune says the plants are a vital link in the food production chain.

No timeline was set to reopen the plants under the executive order.