The BC Fruit Growers’ Association is applauding the extension of the quarantine program for temporary foreign workers this season.
General Manager Glen Lucas said the province’s quarantine plan for foreign farm hands has been successful.
“The program has been a critical part of protecting temporary foreign workers and B.C. citizens.”
He said compared to areas without a centralized quarantine program, B.C. has had no farm-based outbreaks since the program was initiated. He noted the Bylands nursery outbreak in West Kelowna happened before there were any travel restrictions, and the Krazy Cherry Fruit Co. cases in Oliver were related to the Kelowna outbreak and not classified as a farm outbreak.
Lucas said growers are thankful for the renewed quarantine support from the province. He also cited the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for workers in congregate settings.
“That will reduce the risk for our essential farm workers further, and it is great that the province is prioritizing food security,” Lucas said.
B.C. Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham said extending the quarantine program gives peace of mind for workers, employers and the communities they work in during the pandemic.
“We are doing everything possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” she pointed out.
The B.C. government will continue to fund hotel, food-service costs, laundry services and health screening for workers during the quarantine period.
Upon arrival in Canada, temporary foreign workers must be screened for COVID-19 symptoms by federal officials at the border. If they have symptoms, they may be placed in quarantine at the point of entry or be sent to the hospital as per the federal Quarantine Act. If asymptomatic, workers will continue on to the provincial quarantine site for 14 days. Following the quarantine period, if no symptoms develop workers will be transported to their farm.
For workers like Juan and Oscar, the quarantine program is helping them feel safe and valued as they leave their families in Mexico and work on B.C. farms. For Juan, who has three children and one more on the way, the quarantine period is a time for him to connect with his family for longer periods of time than he is able to when he’s working on the farm. Juan has worked at the same farm for three years and sends his earnings home to support his growing family.
Oscar, who is a farmer and a swim coach back in Mexico, also comes to B.C. seasonally so he can support his wife and two children.
All farms receiving workers are required to have infection control and prevention measures in place and require an on-site inspection prior to worker arrival.
