Southwestern Public Health Working With Farmers Who Have Seasonal Workers

Tuesday, 21 April 2020 11:15

Southwestern Public Health is working with farmers to make sure they are following all of the proper protocols when it comes to housing seasonal workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OXFORD COUNTY - Seasonal Workers have been in the Province for a couple of weeks now and more will be arriving in the coming days as they get set to work on farms in our region.

Southwestern Public Health has always worked with farmers related to the health and safety of seasonal workers that come to Elgin and Oxford Counties. The region requires hundreds of seasonal workers to plant, maintain and eventually harvest local crops. Local Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock says we need those workers, even now during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The economics of our region’s agricultural industry depend heavily on the arrival of seasonal workers. The federal government has made allowances for these workers under the Quarantine Act. They may still come to Canada to work, but they must follow a plan that is developed prior to their arrival by their employer, in partnership with SWPH."

All workers are required to self-isolate and not work for a period of 14 days starting from their arrival in Canada. Employers must plan for accommodation that allows for physical distancing, provisions for groceries and necessary supplies while workers are self isolating, what to do if a worker becomes ill, and appropriate cleaning supplies for disinfecting high touch surfaces.

SWPH has provided guidance documents and signage in English and in Spanish and will be in regular contact with farmers as questions arise. Following the initial period of self-isolation, workers on farm will follow the same physical distancing expectations as Ontario residents. Dr. Lock says they will be checking in on farms regularly.

Southwestern Public Health has a long relationship with many of these farm operations. Our Public Health Inspectors regularly inspect seasonal housing and test water from farms. This year, we're adding COVID-19 pandemic response messaging and guidelines to our ongoing communication with these local growers."

You can find more information on the Southwestern Public Health web site.