Southwestern Public Health's Medical Officer Of Health Issues Class Order

Friday, 10 July 2020 16:35

The order lists 22 measures agricultural employers must follow if they hire migrant farm workers, temporary foreign workers, local workers or workers from temporary agencies.

OXFORD COUNTY - Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health, Dr. Joyce Lock issued a Class Order under Section 22 of Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act today.

It's intended to reduce the high risk of COVID-19 spread within agricultural farms in Elgin County, Oxford County and St. Thomas.

Lock says the measure has been put in place after several COVID-19 outbreaks occurred on agricultural farms

“Based on the number of large COVID-19 outbreaks in agricultural farms in similar regions across Ontario, this is a targeted, proactive measure intended to reduce the spread of COVID19 and ensure the health of these workers."

The order lists 22 measures, which can be found on the health unit's website, including physical distancing and screening practices, that agricultural employers must follow if they hire migrant farm workers, temporary foreign workers, local workers, or workers from temporary help agencies.

To date, there has only been one agricultural outbreak reported by Southwestern Public Health, which involved two residents and 20 temporary foreign workers who have all since recovered. However, as the virus spreads quickly, the order is necessary to further protect farm workers.

Lock adds this order is intended to ensure those who work on agricultural farms can return home to their families.

“This is about local economics and Ontario’s food supply chain, of course. But most importantly, it is about protecting people who live and work together on area farms who want to return home to their lives and families after the agricultural season wraps up in the fall."

Under this order, agricultural farm operators are required to follow the guidelines under this order. Those who do not can be charged and face fines up to $5,000 per day for every day or part of each day on which the offence occurs or continues.

The order is in place until further notice.