FA R M
L A B O R
I N F O R M AT I O N
B U L L E T I N
Voice of the Fields California
September 2020
FREE
Volume 30, Number 9
The Latest on COVID-19 General Updates
regularly, especially after touching public surfaces, and avoid touching your face and eyes in order to reduce the chances of contracting the virus.
COVID-19 infection rates continue sweeping the United States and setting records as coronavirus cases spike across the country. In California, coronavirus cases are surging as well, Testing in California primarily among farmworking communities who often work COVID-19 testing is free to all Californians, regardless and live in close quarters. A recent study by the Pew Research of immigration status, and regardless of whether or not you Center found that Latinos are bearing the burden of 40% of have health insurance. While anyone can get a test, priority infection rates and are disproportionately testing is given to certain high-risk indiaffected by health risks, unemployment, STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS viduals like essential workers, healthcare and job loss, especially among Latinas. workers, people with symptoms, first Help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. In order to combat the impacts of responders, those working and living in spiking cases among agricultural workers, group home facilities, and people who Governor Gavin Newsom recently sent may have been exposed in a high-risk situthree coronavirus strike teams and $52 ation. Tests are available throughout the million in federal funding to the Central state at a variety of testing sites at in-perValley region, the state’s farming capital. son clinics and drive-through locations. According to the Governor’s office, the In-person testing is available by apstrike teams will provide administrative pointment only. Find the location near and community support to the areas of the you and register to be tested at lhi.care/ Central Valley most impacted by COcovidtesting. If you do not have access VID-19. Federal funding efforts will help to the internet, call 1-888-634-1123. strengthen coronavirus testing in the eight Services are available in English and counties that make up the region: Kern, Spanish. Kings, Fresno, Merced, Stanislaus, Madera, cdc.gov/COVID19 Drive-through testing requires screenTulare, and San Joaquin, considering that ing beforehand. To complete your screentransmission rates are incredibly high throughout the area. ing, go to www.projectbaseline.com/study/covid-19/eligibilAs California heads towards the second wave of coronaviity/. You will need a Google account in order to complete the rus—anticipated to be much worse than the first wave we are screening. If you do not speak English, consider having a translacurrently in —medical experts and health officials continue tor help you with the online form, as the initial instructions and urging Californians to take every precaution to avoid spreadGoogle account sign in is in English. ing COVID-19. Wear a mask in public and stay at least six feet For additional questions about getting a COVID-19 test away from any person not in your household. Avoid contact as an immigrant and/or someone without health insurwith anyone who does not live in your home and do not attend Continued on page 2 any non-household member gatherings. Wash your hands Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
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COVID-19
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guidance_en_daf.pdf Spanish: covid19.ca.gov/img/wp/listos_covid_19_immigrant_ guidance_es_daf.pdf For more immigration-related information and resources, visit the California Immigrant Guide website. There, you will How Flu Season Will Affect COVID-19 find answers to all of your questions about COVID-19, public Flu season is approaching in California as winter nears, and charge, DACA updates, disaster relief, adult education programs, unfortunately, this also coincides with the oncoming second jobs, benefits, Census 2020 information, and so much more. The wave of coronavirus, predicted to be much worse than the first site is available in English and Spanish. wave that we are currently in. Although a COVID-19 vaccine has yet to be released to the public, the flu vaccination is widely English: immigrantguide.ca.gov/en Spanish: immigrantguide.ca.gov/es available to anyone who wants one. Medical experts and ofTo learn more about the coronavificials recommend getting a flu vaccine rus, how it spreads, and how to proevery year to significantly reduce your tect yourself, please visit the Center for chances of contracting the virus. Now are all around you. Disease Control and California Departmore than ever, it is important to get the ment of Public Health websites for regular flu vaccine in order to maintain health updates and additional information. and wellness, and also safeguard against CDC English webpage: www.cdc.gov/ a compromised immune system that coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html makes you more susceptible to contractCDC Spanish webpage: www.cdc.gov/ ing COVID-19. coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq-sp.html For more information about the flu CDPH English webpage: www.cdph. virus, how to get a vaccine, and where ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/ to go to be vaccinated, visit the Centers Immunization/ncov2019.aspx for Disease Control website, available in CDPH Spanish webpage: www.cdph. English and Spanish. ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/ English: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index. Immunization/ncov2019.aspx Stay healthy. html Wash your hands. More information about COVID-19 Spanish: espanol.cdc.gov/flu/about/ in English and Spanish: aghealth.ucdavis. index.html edu/covid19#resources Information and Resources To find out what California workers need to know, visit the California’s COVID-19 website, covid19.ca.gov, has a comEmployment Development Department (EDD) and Labor & prehensive COVID-19 information guide for immigrant Workforce Development Agency’s (LWDA) websites. Californians. The guide includes information about: state restricEDD English webpage: www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavitions, ways to protect yourself and others, immigration help, rus-2019.htm public charge information for accessing public benefits, testing EDD Spanish webpage: www.edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronaviand treatment, information on jobs, wages, and benefits, small rus-2019-espanol.htm business support, housing, food and bills, community safety, and LWDA English webpage: www.labor.ca.gov/coronavirus2019/ protection against scams and information. The guide is available (View LWDA information in Spanish using the link at the top in English and Spanish. of the page) English: covid19.ca.gov/img/wp/listos_covid_19_immigrant_ ance, visit the state’s coronavirus webpage on “Help for immigrants”: English: covid19.ca.gov/guide-immigrant-californians/ Spanish: covid19.ca.gov/es/guide-immigrant-californians/
www.cdc.gov/handwashing
CS294906-F
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For information about coronavirus in California, visit covid19. ca.gov (Use the “Translate” button in the upper right-hand 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/county-websites-profile-information.
ployment-claims.htm Spanish: To view the above link in Spanish, scroll to the bottom of the page and select the language drop down menu in the lower right-hand corner. Click “Spanish” and the webpage will automatically translate into Spanish For more information about the services available to you, see the list below. You may be eligible for services if you are: Missing work because your child’s school is closed and you Services Available to have no childcare options, you can file an Unemployment You and Your Family Insurance (UI) Claim. If you have been affected by layoffs or are unable to work The easiest way to file a UI claim is as a result of COVID-19, the Employthrough UI online. ment Development Department (EDD) EMPLOYEE RIGHTS English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ offers resources and benefit programs UI_Online.htm like unemployment insurance, paid famSpanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ ily leave, and disability insurance. UI_Online_Espanol.htm Given the enormous number of For instructions and information on people currently applying for unemployhow to apply, visit the following webment insurance in California, it’s imporpage: tant to remember that waiting periods English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ and approval processes are taking much Filing_a_Claim.htm longer right now than usual, according Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/ to the EDD. At the beginning of August, Filing_a_Claim_Espanol.htm the department reported an unprecUnable to work as many hours because edented 9.3 million claims from people your employer shut down business or who lost their jobs or work hours since reduced your hours, you can file an Unthe pandemic began in March. In order employment Insurance claim. to resolve lengthy wait times and unmanThe easiest way to file a UI claim is through ageable caseloads, the EDD will begin UI online. employing more workers to deal with the huge number of English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online.htm claims. California Governor Gavin Newsom has also employed Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/UI_Online_Espanol.htm a strike team which is working on a 45-day plan to expedite For instructions and information on how to apply, visit the folEDD processes and make claims easier for people to file and lowing webpage: complete in a timely manner. English: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim.htm If you are experiencing issues with long wait times as you try Spanish: edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/Filing_a_Claim_Espato secure unemployment insurance, remember that it takes at nol.htm least three weeks to process a claim for unemployment benefits and receive benefit payments. For more information about Unable to work because of exposure to COVID-19 (verified how to avoid payment delays and other issues, visit the EDD by a medical professional), you can file a Disability Insurance website in English and Spanish. (DI) claim. Continued on page 6 English: edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/unemPAID 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
3
Wildfires
CA WILDFIRE ORGANIZATIONS, RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
C
Relief Organizations AMERICAN RED CROSS
ALIFORNIA IS CURRENTLY experiencing one of the region’s worst wildfire seasons in the state’s history, forcing many families to evacuate their homes and businesses. Air quality throughout California is unhealthy, and in some cases, hazardous. Road conditions are often affected by local 1. fires, making travel and commuting to work 2. difficult for many families. Outdoor and agricultural 3. workers are bearing the 4. burden of the effects of many of these wildfires, 5. battling poor air quality and tough working conditions worsened by 1. COVID-19.
The American Red Cross offers disaster relief and recovery services for those most affected in California. The organization offers shelters throughout California that provide a safe space for you and your family when you need it most. You don’t need a reservation, although shelters recommend that you call ahead of time to make sure there is enough space to temporarily house you and your loved ones. You can also access recovery information and discover how to rebuild and recover after going through a disaster. Visit the American Red Cross website in English or Spanish to learn more about the services they offer and the resources available to you. English: www.redcross.org/get-help.html Spanish: www.redcross.org/cruz-roja/obtener-ayuda.html
SAFETY STEPS FOR ANY DISASTER Get alerts to know what to do.
CalAlerts.org
Make a plan to protect your people.
THE SALVATION ARMY
Get to safety with things you need.
The Salvation Army provides major disaster relief services throughout California to those affected by wildfires. Their organization deploys mobile kitchens across the state and offers free meals and water, in addition to emotional support. Those in need of information about where services are being provided can call the Salvation Army hotline at: 1(888) SA-HELP1 OR 1(888) 724-3571
Stay safe at home when you can’t leave.
Help friends and neighbors get ready.
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BASIC TIPS FOR ANY DISASTER
Resources and Information
Carry Identification: Families may be apart when disaster strikes. People and pets get separated.
During this time of year, it’s important that you and your family are prepared for a wildfire in the event that one hits near you. Experts and officials recommend that you build an essentials kit to keep somewhere safe in your home in case of a wildfire. That way, you have food and water, important documentation, extra clothing, prescription medication, and any other supplies that you may not have time to grab if there’s an emergency evacuation. It’s also important that you stay up to date on the latest wildfire incidents in your area to ensure that you and your family are prepared for any wildfires heading toward your area.
Listos California, the state’s wildfire preparedness organization, put together a comprehensive list of information on how to build an emergency essentials kit, information resources necessary to track evacuation information and county announcements, as well as where to seek help if you or your family need it. English: www.listoscalifornia.org/wp-content/uploads/DisasterReady-Guide-Digital-SelfPrint-1.pdf Spanish: www.listoscalifornia.org/wp-content/uploads/DisasterReady-Guide-Digital-SelfPrint-Spanish-1.pdf Listos California also provides dozens of other resources such as free texting programs to keep you in the loop about low-cost disaster preparedness, online interactive trainings, preparedness curriculum, etc, Visit their full website in English or Spanish. English: www.listoscalifornia.org Spanish: www.listoscalifornia.org/es/ For up to date information on wildfire incidents in California, daily wildfire reports, and additional information about how to protect yourself and your family, visit the Cal Fire website, available in English and Spanish. English: www.readyforwildfire.org Spanish: www.readyforwildfire.org/spanish/
Everyone you care for should carry identification. Put written identification in children’s school bags. Consider a medical alert tag or bracelet. Get pets updated tags and microchips. Photos of families and pets can help you reunite.
2.
Build a Support Network: Have a backup plan in case of emergency. Think about who you can rely on.
Talk with your neighbors about their needs, and yours. Discuss disaster plans with caregivers. Ask schools about plans to reunite parents and children. Plan ahead for skilled helpers to assist with evacuations. Share keys with trusted friends to rescue your pets.
3.
Have Extra Medications and Power Supply: Many people can’t go three days without medications. Some need electricity to power equipment and devices.
Carry extra medicine when you leave home. Photo (or carry) list of doctors and prescriptions. Ask pharmacy to renew 30-day prescription at 28 days. Save extra doses in your Go Bag. Plan to keep medicine cold and charge equipment/devices.
4.
Reduce Stress: Lessen physical and mental stress by planning ahead.
Dial 211 to find shelters for specific needs. Label equipment before evacuation. Ask utility to warn of power shutoffs. Pack specialty medical and communication supplies. Plan to comfort those with Alzheimer’s or mental illness.
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SAFETY TIPS: WILDFIRE BEFORE
Red Flag warning means prepare NOW.
Plan for no electricity. Don’t use candles.
Check that water hose is working.
Get bandana or mask to protect lungs.
Clean gutters. Remove brush near home.
DURING
Don’t “wait and see”. Leave when told!
Leave smoky areas quickly.
Open or remove curtains, shades or blinds.
Close all doors and windows. Turn off Air Conditioner.
Prepare pets for evacuation.
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4
Workers’ Rights and Wildfires
C
OVID-19 BROUGHT WITH IT dangerous conditions for farmworkers across California. As workers live and work in close quarters, the likelihood of spreading coronavirus increases for their communities across the state. In addition to these concerns, agricultural workers now have to battle the challenges brought by wildfire season and harmful, smoke-filled air.
Recent news reports revealed that many California farmworkers are not being provided with the materials necessary to safely work, according to regulations instituted by the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (Cal/OSHA). One farmworking woman, Antonia, explained that her employers only offered workers drinking water, and did not provide any masks, gloves, or other protective equipment which is a violation of the current laws. As a result, an advocate filed an official complaint on Antonia’s behalf with Cal/OSHA. Cal/OSHA also commented that it’s investigating multiple complaints by California farmworkers, claiming that employers are not providing safe conditions or equipment necessary to comply with state laws. In 2019, Cal/OSHA passed a regulation that required employers to provide outdoor workers exposed to wildfire smoke with N95 masks to prevent smoke inhalation and health problems. The regulation also requires that employers test the Air Quality Index at the beginning of each shift in areas exposed to a wildfire. If numbers reach an unsafe level, employers are required to do at least one of three things: relocate work to a safer outdoor location, provide an indoor location with clean air, or provide N95 masks if neither of those options are available. Employers are also required to provide employee trainings on the risks of wildfire smoke, how to use a respirator, and employee rights outlined in the regulation. At the time that this regulation was passed, N95 masks were in abundant supply and relatively inexpensive. The pandemic has changed all of that. N95 masks went from roughly 75 cents per mask to at least $6 per mask, and healthcare workers
5
are also in desperate need of them to prevent contracting COVID-19. As more masks are mass produced and distributed throughout the United States, Cal/OSHA expects that farmworkers will have greater access to them in the middle of wildfire season. As an essential worker, you have the right to a safe work environment, especially in the age of coronavirus and unprecedented wildfires. If you suspect that your employer is violating safety requirements like not enforcing social distancing, mask wearing, protective equipment, or proper sanitation, consult the CDC’s guidance for agricultural workers and employers. The CDC and the U.S. Department of Labor recently put together interim guidance for agriculture workers and employers. The guide includes information about exposure risks for farmworkers, hygiene and sanitation recommendations, worker housing recommendations, personal protective equipment requirements, etc. English: www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-agricultural-workers.html Spanish: espanol.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-agricultural-workers.html If you suspect that your employer is not following Cal/ OSHA health and safety requirements, workers can file a confidential complaint via telephone or email with the local Cal/OSHA district office. You can find your local office’s contact information and complaint instructions online in English or Spanish. English: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/Complaint.htm. Spanish: www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/Spanish/ Complaint.htm. Employees with work-related questions or complaints can also contact Department of Industrial Relation’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844522-6734).
COVID-19
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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= SVqLEyQY8fg&feature=youtu.be Caring for an ill or quarantined family member with COVID-19 (verified by a medical professional) you can file a 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/coronavi-
rus-2019/faqs.htm Spanish :edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs-espanol.htm In response to COVID-19, free or reduced-cost food services are still 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 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/enus/p/ca-meals-for-kids/9p7t6j276z z9?activetab=pivot:overviewtab
Wednesday September 23 October 28 10am 6
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
