COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious respiratory disease that can be spread in several ways, including:

inhaling droplets and smaller particles in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes out
- smaller particles may remain in the air for longer periods travel farther and may land on hard surfaces along with droplets
touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your face
touching surfaces in washrooms, as the virus may be found in feces

The following recommendations have been prepared by our Migrant Worker Health Expert Working Group (MWHEWG) to address the needs of migrant agricultural workers (MAWs) in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.

See Our COVID-19 Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

DECISION MAKING

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious respiratory disease that can be spread in several ways, including:

inhaling droplets and smaller particles in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes out
- smaller particles may remain in the air for longer periods travel farther and may land on hard surfaces along with droplets
touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your face
touching surfaces in washrooms, as the virus may be found in feces

How dangerous is COVID-19?

Most people who contract COVID-19 will experience MILD TO MODERATE SYMPTOMS, and will recover without special treatment
Some people with COVID-19 display NO SYMPTOMS, but can still transmit the virus
Some people are more at risk of developing SEVERE COMPLICATIONS from COVID-19 because of underlying medical conditions and age (more severe than seasonal influenza)

How serious is COVID-19 in Canada?

Summary of COVID-19 cases across Canada and over time: https://health-infobase.canada.ca/covid-19/epidemiological-summary-covid-19-cases.html
Website contains detailed data about the spread of the virus over time and in different regions of the country. Includes breakdowns by age and sex or gender. Provides an overview of hospitalizations and deaths, testing, variants of concern and exposures.

Is farm work in Canada safe? Will I contract COVID-19?

Public health measures and guidelines in communities across Canada are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including ‘stay home’ order to all non-essential workers, a ban on group gatherings, and social distancing (2 metres form others) in public spaces

Why do I have to sign a waiver about COVID-19 in Canada? What does it say/mean?

The Jamaican government require all workers travelling to Canada to sign a waiver absolving the Jamaican government of any liability for any “costs, damages, and loss” caused by exposure to COVID-19

Can I still travel to Canada to work (under the SAWP) if I refuse to sign the waiver?

NO, you must sign the waiver to participate in the 2020 season

Can I be sent home while I am sick with COVID-19?

NO, you cannot be sent home if you become sick with COVID-19 in Canada
You must remain in Canada to receive health care and treatment before returning home

PRE-DEPARTURE

How can I prevent contracting COVID-19 while waiting to depart for Canada?

Wear a mask
Maintain social distancing - keep 2 metres apart between people
Proper hygiene, and avoid touching your face
Avoid gathering in crowds

How can I prevent getting COVID-19 while travelling to Canada?

Wearing a mask while travelling (in the airplane and on buses) can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while travelling to the farm
Wash your hands often, and do not touch your face

ON ARRIVAL

What will happen when I arrive at the airport in Canada?

You will be transported from the airport to the farm, and should continue to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing (if possible)

What do I do when I get to the farm in Canada?

Temporary foreign workers entering Canada are required to enter 2 weeks of self-isolation (also called quarantine) after you arrive at the farm
Your employer cannot prevent workers from isolating
Your employer should provide you with information about COVID-19 on or before your first day of isolation

DURING ISOLATION

Can I work during isolation?

NO, you CANNOT work during isolation
Also, your employer CANNOT ask you to perform other duties, such as building repairs or administrative tasks

Will I be paid during isolation?

YES, your employer MUST pay their workers regular pay and benefits for the self-isolation period
The payment you receive is not an advance, and you do not have to reimburse it later
This payment also applies to workers in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
For SAWP workers, the period of paid quarantine will be in addition to the minimum 240 hours of pay as specified in the SAWP contract

How will I eat during isolation?

Before arriving in Canada, you will need a plan for how you will access food and other essentials, which may include asking your employer to help
The cost of food may be deducted from your wages after you start working

How can I prevent getting COVID-19 from my coworkers during isolation?

Maintain physical distancing
Your employer is required to modify your living areas during the period of isolation to ensure 2 metres between beds
Ensure proper personal hygeine
Your employer must have cleaned and disinfected your living areas, and provided cleaning supplies for you to clean (kitchens, bathrooms, and common areas should be cleaned daily)

What happens if one of us gets sick during isolation?

If a worker becomes sick at any time, report it to your employer
Your employer must immediately arrange for the worker to be fully isolated from others, and contact local public health officials

POST ISOLATION / BACK TO WORK

How do I prevent getting COVID-19 while working and living in the crowded conditions on the farm?

Maintain social distancing of 2 metres
Avoid gathering in groups
Maintain appropriate hygiene
Keep surfaces in common areas clean

What do I do if I think I may have COVID-19?

If you have mild symptoms, you can take an online assessment: https://ca.thrive.health/covid19/en
Report to your employer

Can I go into town (to shop and do banking) after the 2-week isolation period is over?

Essential stores and business (such as grocers and banks) are operating with public guidelines mandating social distancing – you can expect to wait in line for a long time before being allowed to enter the store (and some items are not available)
DO NOT travel or congregate in groups while in public spaces – this is prohibited by law