Is Smithfield closing? Nebraska's Governor says no.

CRETE - Nebraska’s governor is disputing reports that the Smithfield processing plant in Crete is closing.

In a news conference Monday, Interim Director of the Lincoln-Lancaster Department of Public Health Pat Lopez said this…

“I think you've probably heard, the Smithfield Plant has decided to close [in Crete] for a period of time."

That statement appeared to be corroborated by the head of the union that represents employees at the plant. Eric Reeder told the Omaha World-Herald that he had heard the plant’s last day would be Wednesday.

But in an interview with News Channel Nebraska. Gov. Pete Ricketts says plant leaders have told him that they’re staying open.

“With regard to Smithfield in Crete, I had a conversation with their executives and I believe they are going to rethink that strategy with regard to completely closing and remain open going forward," Ricketts told NCN. "We're going to continue to work with them in terms of testing and contact tracing."

NCN has reached out to Crete Mayor Dave Bauer, who said he doesn’t know what the plant’s plans are.

That sentiment was also shared by Saline County Commissioner Janet Henning.

“Smithfield has not been very communicative. All we know is hearsay," Henning told News Channel Nebraska. "If cases are escalating...I think it should shut down. If they aren't...I don't know. It's hitting the economy either way."

As for Smithfield, the company issued a statement to NCN, "our Crete, Nebraska facility remains operational. The company will make an announcement if there are material changes to its operations."

The plant has seen at least 47 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Sunday evening.

Smithfield did shutter a facility in Illinois on Friday.

NCN has also reached out to the Public Health Solutions Health Department for comment, but have not heard back.