DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Public Health on Tuesday released new statistics on COVID-19 cases in the state. The IDPH reported the largest single-day increase in cases at 482. There were also four deaths reported. That brings the statewide total to 3,641 positive cases and 83 deaths.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Restaurant closures due to the coronavirus have contributed to an estimated $5 billion in losses for the pork industry, and almost overnight millions of hogs stacking up on farms now have little value. KCCI-TV reports some farmers have resorted to killing piglets because plunging sales mean there is no room to hold additional animals in increasingly cramped conditions.

IOWA CITY, IA (IRN) – Gov. Kim Reynolds said Monday that Iowa’s meatpacking plants will stay open and continue to spread the coronavirus among workers, warning that shutting them down would be devastating for farmers and the food supply. Reynolds acknowledged that the virus spreads quickly and easily at the plants because so many workers are in close proximity. She said that “we will continue to see clusters of positive cases” in them.

MARSHALLTOWN, IA (IRN) – Thirty-four of some 2,400 workers at the JBS pork processing plant in Marshalltown have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Des Moines Register. Mayor Joel T.S. Greer says, “To everyone who will listen to me: Please stay at home.”

OTTUMWA, IA (IRN) – Residents at the Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa had a different four legged friend to visit them on Monday. Cinnamon the llama had already visited a nursing home in Oskaloosa, and then he came to Ottumwa to bring some joy. With all the uncertainty going on in the world right now, Merle Mann said that it was good to do some good. “I’m glad that we’re doing this. We need good news and we need to be positive so this has been fun.” The group will be continuing their trip across the Heartland, planning on visiting Marshalltown sometime next week.