HEPA filters for Agri-food workers

LEAMINGTON — The Ontario government is distributing up to 5,500 free HEPA filters to improve ventilation in agrifood congregate living settings.

This will add an additional layer of protection to keep agri-food workers safe and reduce the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks on farms and in workplaces across the food supply chain.

HEPA filter units, in conjunction with other prevention and control strategies, can help control and remove harmful airborne pathogens and improve air quality.

Farms and agri-food businesses that employ and provide housing to international agri-food workers are eligible for one HEPA filter unit per employer-provided congregate living setting.

These units will be deployed in partnership with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services at no cost to employers through the voluntary Registry of Employers International Agri-food Workers.

“We appreciate the Ontario government’s commitment to delivering another tool that will assist greenhouses in keeping their workers safe andmitigating COVID-19 risks,” said George Gilvesy, Chair of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers. “Access to these HEPA air filters will help to support local food production and ensure that fresh vegetables are on grocery store shelves and our tables.”

“Ontario’s fruit and vegetable growers have worked hard during the pandemic, adapting to evolving public health requirements to keep our critical agri-food workforce safe,” added Bill George, Chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association.