Earlier this week, NJ Secretary of Ag Douglas Fisher released this attached letter, co-signed by Dept of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, urging all growers with farm labor to take advantage of opportunities to help protect your employees from COVID-19.
As the letter states,
“One program that is being implemented FREE OF CHARGE for all farms is a COVID-19 testing and education program through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and local health departments. Along with free testing, the program provides education and other related support services. The Department of Health has also created guidelines for seasonal farm labor camps, a “Quick Facts” infographic, and prevention signs on face coverings, hand cleaning, social distancing, and helpful hotlines.
“The Commissioner of the Department of Health has broad powers under the Emergency Health Powers Act to take all reasonable and necessary measures to prevent the transmission of infectious disease, which can include mandated testing for COVID-19 as part of the above mentioned program (N.J.S.A. 26: 13-12; 13-13). At this time, the Commissioner strongly urges farm workers and staff to be tested by an FQHC or another county testing site. This will help reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.
“Although many farms have been cooperating and thousands of farmworkers have been tested to date, our goal is to work together with every farm in the State to reach the best possible outcome for everyone. …
And concludes,
“For all these reasons, it is critical that you welcome FQHC staff to your farm to educate you and your workers about the virus, how to reduce the potential for transmission through best practices, and to provide testing services.
“Let’s stand together and demonstrate the agricultural community’s responsible reaction in confronting this unprecedented situation with emphasis on the safety of workers and farm families across the state.
