If you employ Temporary Foreign Workers in your greenhouse this post is for you! Read on for important information and resources.
Firstly, OMAFRA has established a voluntary registry to distribute important COVID-19 information to employers. You can register here to get direct updates regarding Temporary Foreign Worker and COVID-19 issues to your email inbox.
Vaccination Clinic re-activated at Pearson Airport starting January 11th!
In response to the current COVID-19 situation and the Omicron variant, the vaccination clinic at Pearson airport is being re-activated beginning today January 11, 2022. The clinic will run similarly to last season out of Terminal 1, tentatively until end of February. Boosters and first/second doses will be available to Temporary Foreign Workers. Workers entering Canada with vaccine doses received outside of Ontario will need to bring documentation or proof of their vaccines.
Guidance from the Ministry of Health for COVID-19 testing and isolation
The Ministry of Health has a helpful resource for testing and isolation requirements. Temporary Foreign Worker housing (e.g. bunkhouses) is considered congregate living and has been classified as high-risk. This means that symptomatic workers are eligible for molecular (PCR) testing, and the isolation period remains at 10 days. Details can be found in the document.
Extended Deadline: Enhanced Ag Worker Protection Program (EAWPP)
This program will close on February 1st or when the funds allocated, whichever comes first. Cost-share funding of up to 60% to a maximum of $50,000 is for prevention of COVID-19 in the workplace and responsive outbreak management (e.g., isolation hotel costs, sanitation etc.). The program is retroactive to costs incurred since March 13, 2021. Apply online; you will need your farm’s COVID-19 Safety Plan and receipts for eligible expenses.
OMAFRA “COVID Infection, Prevention and Control” webinar on January 18th at noon
To sign up for the webinars, visit: ‘Infection, Prevention and Control’ Webinar Registration. You will receive Zoom details after confirming your registration. This is a repeat of the webinar on January 6th, so no need to attend twice!
OMAFRA’s COVID-19 Resources Page has up to date information and links for producers. Bookmark the link!