COVID-19 in Immokalee

Farmworkers line up in the mornings to board buses to take them out to the fields.

Photo by Lisette Morales

Even in normal times, a scene in Immokalee daily life is a picture of contrast to what you might see in Naples, but in the time of COVID-19, the differences are even more dramatic. Outside of a Naples grocery store you will find a line of people six feet apart, wearing masks and gloves in response to the constant dissemination of information from the news and social media. In Immokalee, cultural differences, working and housing conditions, language barriers, and prior experiences with government in their countries of origin may be contributing to a slower acceptance of precautions necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19, putting at risk the health and well-being of the community that harvests and packs the food for our tables.

Neapolitan Family field photographer Lisette Morales spent time in Immokalee during March and April, speaking with the farmworker community and photographing their daily lives. She explained that the very nature of the essential work they do puts them in a vulnerable position. The farmworkers live in close quarters and must ride buses out to the fields and packing plants. Their living quarters may not have full kitchens, so they must shop more frequently in local markets to get their daily meals. Some workers told Morales that they rely more on faith and prayer to protect them and hear many myths circulating, such as COVID-19 is only in the big cities and affects only older people.

These posters from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers are visible in most public spaces in Immokalee. They attempt to dispel that Covid-19 is a hoax or a myth and encourage the residents to follow social distancing and precautions.

Photo by Lisette Morales

Recognizing these cultural barriers, local community leaders have stepped up their efforts to provide reliable information and safety measures to protect the farmworkers and other people living in Immokalee. Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputies have handed out personal protection equipment such as masks, gloves, and sanitizer; they also broadcast coronavirus-related information on their patrol car speakers. Local radio stations, a popular source of news for this community, have broadcasts in Spanish and Creole to help provide accurate information.

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), a worker-based human rights organization, has been collaborating with local growers, farmworkers, emergency personnel, and health officials to facilitate communication and to provide the farmworker community a voice at both the local and state level. CIW’s involvement includes supporting preventive measures related to virus transmission and petitioning for a field hospital for testing and treatment of COVID-19.

Lipman Family Farms, which employs a large population of migrant workers, has placed hand washing stations (see photo, page 14) in town and has taken additional measures including: reducing crew size for better social distancing; staggering break times and laundry

Farmworker congregate here before and after work to purchase their food for the day and take care of other tasks.

Photo by Lisette Morales

hours; providing essential toiletries and food to those in company housing; increasing sanitation of the buses that transport workers to the fields and providing hand sanitizer before and after each bus trip; bringing ATMs and check cashing vendors to company housing facilities; extending some H-2A visas to avoid unnecessary travel; and posting educational material in housing and holding meetings in the fields to educate workers on how to keep themselves and others safe.

“Our farm employees are extremely important to us,” said Jaime Weisinger, a spokesman for Lipman Farms. “We don’t have an operation without them, so making sure everyone is healthy, educated, and safe has been a huge focus for us.”

Gabrielle O’Boyle, spokeswoman for the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida, stated, “As the primary medical care provider to the Immokalee community, we continue to care for and focus on educating our patients on the CDC prevention guidelines, the symptoms, and testing options available, should they or a family member become ill. Additionally, we are providing free COVID-19 screenings through appointment and testing based on screening outcomes at all our practices. Building trust and communication with our patients is always a priority, especially during this difficult time.”