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B U L L E T I N
Voice of the Fields California
May 2020
FREE
Keeping Up With COVID-19
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ALIFORNIA CONTINUES TO LEAD THE WAY in the United States in terms of coronavirus prevention and management. Despite growing numbers across the country, California’s spread rate declined significantly after the statewide stayat-home order went into effect on March 19, 2020.
While the state is doing well to reduce the spread of the virus, California is home to 40 million people and still holds some of the nation’s highest rates of COVID-19. Scientists predict that California will reach its peak of COVID-19 cases towards the end of April
and beginning of May, reinforcing the need to stay home, avoid outings, and practice social distancing when going grocery shopping or outdoors. Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced that California’s Disaster Relief Fund will include an economic stimulus
2020 Census
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IVEN THE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER IN CALIFORNIA, 2020 Census representatives will no longer conduct in-person counting procedures. Instead, people can fill out the Census form in one of three ways: 1. Online: my2020census.gov **To access the webpage in Spanish, simply click the language drop-down menu in the upper right-hand corner and click “Español” 2. By Phone: English: (844) 330-2020 Spanish: (844) 468-2020 3. By Mail: Census forms are mailed to every household with instructions on how to fill out and return the form. However, you can choose to respond online or by phone instead, even if your household has already received a form. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail until October 31st. Remember that the Census is an opportunity for you and your family to be counted in your community. That means adequate funding for your city and state, enough government officials to represent your values in Congress, and resources for public services that matter most in your neighborhood like schools and hospitals. It’s not only in your best interest to complete the Census, it’s the law.
Volume 30, Number 5 package for undocumented immigrants, and others who are affected by coronavirus but were not included in the federal governments’ recent stimulus package. Undocumented adults will receive onetime payments of $500 and up to $1,000 per household. Individuals can start applying for support beginning in May.
Farmworkers & Facemasks Facemask shortages are felt by more than just the healthcare community in response to coronavirus. As people continue buying up facemasks at unprecedented rates and clearing out retail stocks, many industries are unable to purchase the facemasks needed for workers, notably in the farm-working community. Agricultural workers not only need access to facemasks to combat the spread of COVID-19 as they perform job duties in close quarters, but also to decrease the likelihood of inhaling toxic pesticides and dust that cause serious respiratory issues. As California fast approaches fungicide and wildfire season, concerns over facemask access continue to rise. Guadalupe Sandoval, executive director for the Farm Labor Contractors Association in Sacramento expressed concern that the facemask shortage may “push growers to reconsider what types of fungicides they use” in order to avoid toxic exposure. It also raises concern over farmworkers using bandanas Continued on page 2
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instead of proper-grade facemasks that protect against small particles. Other respiratory issues like Valley Fever and asthma are a problem among farmworkers, making the agricultural community an at-risk group for contracting the coronavirus because of preexisting respiratory problems. If you think that your employer is not taking the proper precautions to protect you from toxic respiratory exposure, you can file a workplace safety complaint with the U.S. Department of Industrial Relations through Cal/OSHA. Your information remains private by law and your complaint is anonymous unless you give permission to use your information. You and your fellow farmworkers deserve to be protected. English: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/complaint.htm Spanish: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/Spanish/complaint.htm are all around you.
Stay healthy. Wash your hands. CS294906-F
www.cdc.gov/handwashing
Learn more about facemasks, how to use them, and workplace rules on the Department of Industrial Relations’ website: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_ publications/N95-mask-questions.html
Pressures on the Farming Community Unlike other industries, the food industry is defined as an “essential business” by the recent California stay-athome order. As a result, food production and retail operations are required to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that people have the food they need to survive. California alone produces about two-thirds of the country’s fresh produce and nuts, highlighting the states’ need for a large farm-working force to maintain agricultural production. Recently, coronavirus has disrupted the food supply system. As people change the way they shop for groceries - stocking up on food and clearing out shelves regularly - supply needs go up as well as the need for a large workforce to harvest those supplies. While California has a large community of farmworkers, federal restrictions to the H-2A program have reduced people’s ability to apply for seasonal work in the state at a time when we need them most. Luckily, those restrictions were recently relaxed and should allow more people to apply for and continue their work in agriculture. Added protections, however, are still needed. The state is currently coming up with new guidance terms on protecting farmworkers from COVID-19, especially considering the community’s close-knit living and working environ-
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ments. Until then, other concerns center around whether food safety regulations will change to prevent the spread of the virus, although officials say that food safety terms are already robust and demand high standards for food handling. As some agriculture sectors are ramping up, others worry about scaling back as restaurants and food service operations close. With less demand for produce and nuts from these businesses, some growers worry that they are producing too much and won’t be able to sell it. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, the agriculture industry may reap enormous benefits in some areas while falling short in others, depending on people’s purchasing habits and market demand. Across the state, restrictions on stockpiling have already gone into effect in most stores, making it so that people cannot buy more than 2 of the same item, especially for household staples like eggs, bread, milk, and meat. Going forward, people are encouraged to adopt a community-driven mentality that does not focus on their individual family’s needs, but the needs of the community as a whole when it comes to grocery store purchasing habits.
Services Available to You and Your Family If you have been affected by layoffs or are unable to work as a result of COVID-19, the Employment Development Department (EDD) offers resources and benefit programs like unemployment insurance, paid family leave, and disability insurance. These services may be available to you for any of the follow-
ing reasons. If you are: Missing work because your child’s school is closed and you have no childcare options, you can file an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim. The easiest way to file a UI claim is through UI online. English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online.htm Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online_Espanol.htm For instructions and information on how to apply, visit the following webpage: English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ Filing_a_Claim.htm Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ Filing_a_Claim_Espanol.htm Unable to work as many hours because your employer shut down business or reduced your hours, you can file an Unemployment Insurance claim. The easiest way to file a UI claim is through UI online. English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online.htm Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online_Espanol.htm For instructions and information on how to apply, visit the following webpage: English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim_Espanol.htm Unable to work because of exposure to COVID-19 (verified by a medical professional), you can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim. The easiest way to file a DI claim is through State Disability Insurance (SDI) online: English: edd.ca.gov/Disability/ SDI_Online.htm
Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Disability/ SDI_Online_Espanol.htm Watch a short Youtube video for information about how to apply online: English: www.youtube.com/watch?v=j 7Wn4gBSZxc&feature=youtu.be
Spanish: www.youtube.com/watch?v=S VqLEyQY8fg&feature=youtu.be Caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (verified by a medical professional) you can file a Continued on page 4
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
PAID SICK LEAVE AND EXPANDED FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE UNDER THE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act)
PAID LEAVE ENTITLEMENTS Generally, employers covered under the Act must provide employees:
ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES
QUALIFYING REASONS FOR LEAVE RELATED TO COVID-19 telework 5.
1. 2.
6.
3. 4.
ENFORCEMENT
For additional information WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
1-866-487-9243 dol.gov/agencies/whd WH1422 REV 03/20
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Paid Family Leave (PFL) claim. The easiest way to file a PFL claim is through SDI online. English: edd.ca.gov/Disability/ SDI_Online.htm Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Disability/ SDI_Online_Espanol.htm For instructions and information on how to apply, visit the following webpage: English: edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_ to_File_a_PFL_Claim_in_SDI_Online.htm Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_ to_File_a_PFL_Claim_in_SDI_Online_Espanol.htm Self-employed, you may have benefits available through the EDD’s benefit program. Visit the following links to determine your benefits: Self-employment benefits/English edd.ca.gov/disability/Self-Employed.htm COVID-19 FAQs English: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.ht Spanish: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/ coronavirus-2019/faqs-espanol.htm
pick-up meals for your children free of charge, no questions asked. Apple Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/ ca-meals-for-kids/id1327449394 Google Play: play.google.com/store/ apps/details?id=gov.ca.cde.NSDMobileApp Microsoft Store: www.microsoft.com/ en-us/p/ca-meals-for-kids/9p7t6j2 76zz9?activetab=pivot:overviewtab Considering that children across California are required to stay home from school, it’s important to know their employment restrictions while working in agriculture. Children under the age of 16 have many employment restrictions, especially in sectors defined as hazardous by the Secretary of Labor. For up to date information on youth employment provisions in the agriculture industry, visit youthrules.gov or the U.S. Department of Labor’s website at: www.dol.gov/agencies/ whd/fact-sheets/40-child-labor-farms
COVID-19 Resources & Information
Children in Agriculture: Meals & Labor Laws
In response to COVID-19, free food services are currently available across California where families can go to get meals for their children. Most school districts, as well as other organizations, are offering meals for children to make up for meals that are no longer available during regular school days. Find the nearest meal distribution site in your community using the free app “CA Meals for Kids,” created by the California Department of Education. You can
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There are many resources available about coronavirus that offer updated information, government orders and legislation, as well as local information about what’s going on in your community. To learn more about the coronavirus, how it spreads, and how to protect yourself, please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) websites for regular updates and additional information. CDC English webpage: www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html CDC Spanish webpage: www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq-sp.html CDPH English webpage: www.cdph. ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx CDPH Spanish webpage: www.cdph. ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx More information about COVID-19 in English and Spanish: aghealth.ucdavis.edu/COVID19#resources To find out what California workers need to know, visit the Employment Development Department (EDD) and Labor & Workforce Development Agency’s (LWDA) websites. EDD English webpage: www.edd.ca.gov/ about_edd/coronavirus-2019.htm EDD Spanish webpage: www.edd. ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus2019-espanol.htm LWDA English webpage: www.labor. ca.gov/coronavirus2019/ (**View LWDA information in Spanish using the link at the top of the page)
For information about coronavirus in California, visit COVID19.ca.gov (**Use the “Translate” button in the upper righthand corner to translate into Spanish) For local information, you should
also visit your county’s website to learn about new developments in your community. Find your county’s website by going to www.counties.org/countywebsites-profile-information.
What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
Stay home except to get medical care
Clean your hands often
You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home People: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available. Animals: Do not handle pets or other animals while sick. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.
Call ahead before visiting your doctor If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
Wear a facemask You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
Cover your coughs and sneezes Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can; immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60-95% alcohol covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
Avoid sharing personal household items You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
Monitor your symptoms Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed. Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate. If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.
Discontinuing home isolation Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
www.cdc.gov/COVID19 CS 314937-D 03/16/2020
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Staying in Touch with Family
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S MANY OF US LIMIT our interactions with family and friends during the stay-at-home order, staying in touch with those we love is challenging. However, many online platforms offer free video chatting and game play so that we can see each other and engage in fun activities that we’re not able to do in person.
These apps only require internet access and a device to connect with the app, whether that be a phone, tablet, or computer. Take a look at the list of video chatting and game play apps below and explore the one that suits you and your friends and family best. Consider eating dinner together, playing a game, watching a show or movie, or engaging in any activity that you would typically enjoy with those you care about. Only now, it’s online. Despite the world’s current focus on staying physically healthy during the COVID-19 crisis, it’s also important to stay mentally healthy and avoid isolation by engaging with the people you love.
Free Apps
ZOOM Zoom is a great tool for those meeting on computers or tablets with large groups of people, but you can also use audio features on your mobile device: zoom.us (For Spanish, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the “Language” drop-down arrow on the right-hand side. Select “Español”). Skype Skype is another great platform for
video chatting with large groups of people and works on most devices: www.skype.com/en/ (For Spanish, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the drop-down arrow on the lefthand side. Select “Español”). HouseParty Houseparty is popular because it allows you to video chat with friends and family and play games together: houseparty.com Google Duo Google Duo is a video chatting app for Android users and works best for those who don’t have iPhones or Mac products: duo.google. com/about/ (For Spanish, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the dropdown arrow on the right-hand side. Select “Español”). NextDoor Keep up with what’s going on in your neighborhood using Nextdoor, the app that helps you be aware of the latest happenings in your community. nextdoor.com Below is a list of other free apps with video chatting capabilities: Facebook Messenger WhatsApp FaceTime
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Voice of the Fields California Circulation: 45,000 copies www.LaCooperativa.org Published monthly by: La Cooperativa Campesina de California 1107 9th Street, Suite 420, Sacramento, CA 95814 This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner. Content produced by ALZA Strategies, a full-service strategy firm that offers quality media relations, crisis communications, the growing Latino market.
EDDResources Resources EDD
www.edd.ca.gov
Workforce Services AJCC Locator ............ 1-877-872-5627 CalJOBSSM ...................... 1-800-758-0398 Monitor Advocate, Report work related complaints ................... 1-866-289-8356 e-mail: ............... madvocat@edd.ca.gov Unemployment Insurance English: ........................ 1-800-300-5616 Spanish: ....................... 1-800-326-8937 Disability Insurance English: ....................... 1-800-480-3287 Spanish: ....................... 1-866-658-8846 Paid Family Leave English: ....................... 1-877-238-4373 Spanish: ...................... 1-877-379-3819 Ask EDD Request EDD information online: .....................................askedd.edd.ca.gov