Farms & International Agriculture Workers

During the peak growing season, there are approximately 8,000 -10,000 seasonal workers employed at one of 176 farms in Windsor-Essex County.

Case and Contact Management and Outbreak Guidance

Please review the following guidance documents from the Ministry of Health:

Key Updates to Outbreak Guidance

Individuals who test positive (i.e., both symptomatic/asymptomatic)

Original Guidance
  • Symptomatic cases: isolate for 5 days. Isolation may end after 5 days provided the worker has no fever and symptoms are improving for 24 hours OR 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms are present.
  • Asymptomatic cases: end isolation period after 5 days from their positive test result
  • For both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, continue wearing a well-fitted mask for 10 days after symptom onset or positive test (whichever is earlier).
  • Within the shared accommodation, maintain physical distancing when masks are removed for eating, sleeping, other essential activities.
Updated Guidance

No Change

Note: If there are immunocompromised individuals in the shared living space, the case should remain isolated for 10 days from symptom onset or positive test (whichever is earlier).

Third party health checks for IAWs continues to be recommended.


Close contacts of a suspect or confirmed case

Original Guidance

Self-isolation recommendations based on vaccination status

Updated Guidance

For close contacts of individuals who are a suspect or confirmed case, including those in an employer-provided living setting, they should:

  • Self monitor for any symptoms for 10 days after their last exposure and seek testing if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Continue to wear a well-fitted mask in all public settings and avoid non-essential activities where mask removal is necessary (e.g. dining out where masks cannot be worn)
  • Within the shared accommodation, maintain physical distancing when masks are removed for eating, sleeping, and other essential activities.
  • Third party health checks for IAWs continues to be recommended.

Close contacts of a suspect or confirmed case

Outbreak definitions

Single positive case was a confirmed outbreak

Updated Guidance
  • Single positive case is a suspect outbreak.
  • Two or more cases with epidemiological link among residents of employer-provided housing is a confirmed outbreak.

Vaccination

The COVID-19 vaccine is free to anyone living in Ontario, including international agriculture workers.

Employers of international agriculture workers play an important role in ensuring that workers are educated about the COVID-19 vaccine and are supported to receive it.


Health Information & Resources for Workers

The Public Health Agency of Canada has materials available in several languages, call 1-833-784-4397 or email phac.covid19.aspc@canada.ca