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COVID-19 spreads among Ont. farm workers

COVID-19 spreads among Ont. farm workers

Co-operation with local health units and vigilance with on-site safety measures are critical to prevent further spread of the virus among workers on farms

By Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Despite guidelines put in place by Health Canada and local public health units, and efforts made by farmers and business owners, many migrant workers across the province of Ontario have contracted COVID-19.

18 per cent of the cases reported in Windsor-Essex County have been farm workers, including one man who passed away in hospital, according to a June 1 report from the health unit. Pioneer Flower Farms in St. Catharines has reported an outbreak, with at least 20 employees testing positive for the virus, according to a May 31 release from the company. 164 employees tested positive at Scotlynn Group in Vittoria, according to a June 4 update from Haldimand and Norfolk Health and Social Services.

“We will continue to follow the Ministry of Health’s lead as we navigate through this together,” said the Pioneer Flower Farms statement. “Many preventive measures had been put into place prior to the outbreak, and further methods have been put into place in the last week to limit the spread. Although the numbers of transmission are high, we are relieved that most results have come back negative, which assures our measures we have put into action are working.”

Scotlynn Group also issued a statement, assuring that “our migrant workers that are now self-isolating will continue to receive their entire compensation. … Their health, care and safety will be managed and monitored by the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and Norfolk General Hospital as required.”

The company will also be conducting weekly random COVID-19 testing to monitor employees at all of their housing units, the letter posted to Facebook on June 2 stated.

It is essential for agricultural employers to continue to follow the guidance of the government and local health units to prevent further spread of COVID-19 among workers, Jennifer Wright, senior HR adviser and stakeholder engagement specialist for the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC), told Farms.com.

This includes staying vigilant with personal hygiene, practicing physical distancing whenever possible, and providing employees with appropriate personal protective equipment when distancing is not possible.

“Each province and some regions have specific information on what is required,” Wright said. “In general, all employers need to do what is outlined on the Ontario government site.”

If an employee contracts COVID-19, there are several actions required by the employer. They should advise the employee to self-isolate (and in the case of temporary foreign workers, provide them the ability to do so), track contact of the sick employee to understand who else may be at risk, and follow up on any Workplace Safety and Insurance Board claims with the Ministry of Labour.

“If you suspect or have a confirmed case, you should contact your local public health authority first and proceed with their advice and requirements. There are also provincial protocols that will need to be followed,” she explained.

Local health units may require more workers to self-isolate and monitor, or shut down the job site for disinfection, she added. Employers should ensure the process and policies are well-understood by all workers.

“Employers can make sure they are following all the regulations and protocols to ensure their employees are as safe as possible,” Wright said. “They can also ensure they create an environment where employees feel comfortable enough to raise any concerns or to remove themselves from the workplace and notify you if they have symptoms. This is not a time for employees to ‘tough it out’ or come to work with ‘just a cough.’ They need to know they are supported to be honest and to stay home without any issue.”

Though health and safety of workers is paramount, farmers are also concerned about the ability to meet their labour and production needs, in the event an outbreak incapacitates their workforce.

“First and foremost, take all the steps to try to avoid such an outbreak from occurring,” said Wright. “In the event there is an outbreak, follow the advice of public health authorities. Work with them on business/operation continuity should an outbreak occur.”

Scotlynn Group, for example, offered an increased pay opportunity for community members able to help with harvest. For now, the harvest has been delayed, however they “are encouraged by the outpouring of support,” according to the company’s June 2 statement.

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Trending Video

Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

Video: Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

In a recent interview at the SeedLink Conference in Brandon, Man., Rob Saik, author, speaker, and CEO of AGvisorPRO, took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the beginnings of his career and what the future holds.

Graduating from the University of Alberta in 1983, Saik embarked on a journey that started in Brandon, Man. “I got a job with Elanko, got a U-Haul truck, threw everything I had into it, drove to the Victoria Inn, and lived there for three months while they tried to find an apartment for me to move into. So I started my career in Brandon,” Saik shared.

Fast forward to the present, Saik has evolved into an accomplished author and speaker, traversing the globe to engage in high-level discussions about the future of agriculture and the critical role it plays in feeding the world. Yet, despite his global presence, he finds himself back in Brandon, addressing a group of seed growers. But why? Saik emphasizes the fundamental importance of seeds, stating, “It all begins with a seed, doesn’t it?”

Reflecting on his own experiences as a farmer, Saik expresses his excitement when a planted seed germinates and evolves into a thriving crop. He underscores the significance of technology and breeding in seed development, recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring farmers can propagate seeds, grow profitable crops, and contribute to global food security.

Saik delves into the challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly the rapid pace of technological advancements. He believes that the key lies in connecting farmers to experts swiftly, boosting farmers’ confidence in adopting new technologies, and ensuring the timely implementation of these advancements. According to Saik, this approach is crucial for steering agriculture towards sustainability and profitability.

As Saik works on his upcoming book, tentatively titled prAGmatic, he sheds light on its central theme. “The thesis would be that I want to write a book that takes what the consumer wants, challenges what the consumer believes, and positions that against what the farmers can actually do pragmatically,” he explains. The book aims to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the realistic capabilities of farmers, promoting sustainable intensification as the necessary path to feed the planet.

Looking ahead to 2024, Saik emphasizes the need for enhanced connectivity within the seed industry. He discusses his platform, AgvisorPro, which is designed to facilitate connections between farmers, experts, and companies in a way that transcends conventional social media platforms. Saik envisions a credible, connected agricultural network that goes beyond the noise of platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

In a passionate vision for the future, Saik imagines a tool for teachers that allows them to pose questions from students, answered by verified farmers and ranchers. This, he believes, would provide an authentic and valuable educational resource, connecting classrooms with individuals who truly understand the intricacies of agriculture.

 

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From the very beginning of Covid-19 I contacted Ben Lobb & Lisa Thompson my Federal & Provincial members & told each by email to please contact Justin Trudeau & Doug Ford that with all the students looking for work this year we should CANCEL ALL FOREIGN WORKERS FOR 2020 - Ms Thompson took 3-4 weeks to get back to me - Mr. Lobb NEVER DID!! - THIS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT NOW IS IT? THE WORKERS probably BROUGHT THE VIRUS WITH THEM?
Peter Carter |Jun 9 2020 7:54AM