20 / May 15th 2021 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
Preparing for the 2021 Harvest A
By Christopher Valadez
s the 2021 harvest begins in our professionals from Salinas Valley Memorial region, many programs and systems Hospital. Prevention practices to limit the spread of are in place to help limit the spread of COVID-19 among farm workers and the the virus on farms and in ag facilities, including community. Specific to the Grower Shipper social distancing, face mask requirements and Association of Central California, mass vac- employee training, will continue. Further, cination clinics for farm workers will continue California has implemented COVID-specific through the summer, but additional programs regulations for employers mandating training, will provide necessary resources prevention practices and paid sick leave. as we battle through this What more can be done? pandemic. Employee education about the As we reflect back, we importance of receiving vaccinaremember the phrase, “we are tions will be an important effort all in this together” as lockdowns among ag employers, health began. And, that has proven true care workers and community – we have all faced and endured leaders. Further, we must stay this historic and tragic pandemic vigilant about other worker as a community. And, we have safety protections, including heat seen health care professionals, prevention and wildfire smoke elected officials, government mitigation. officials, community leaders, Finally, we must continually labor groups and agriculture assess and evolve programs as work jointly and diligently to develop innovative worker pro- More than 24,000 farmworkers the virus evolves. What worked in this region have gotten tection programs that have been well, what could be improved COVID vaccinations. modeled in other regions. This and what practices should significant effort underscores that “we are all in become permanent to successfully prevent the spread of any virus among our workforce. this together” is more than just a phrase. As we move forward, the new partnerSo where are we today? Over 24,000 vaccinations have been administered to farm ships and relationships built over the last year employees in our region through the Grower will be key as we tackle existing issues as well Shipper Association and Clinica de Salud del as face future challenges in our region. The panValle de Salinas mass vaccination clinics. By demic has shown us that we are better when June, we hope that 35,000 essential ag workers we work together to find solutions. We need each other and we must lean on each other. If will be fully vaccinated through these clinics. Quarantined housing through Grower there is a silver lining to this tragic pandemic, Shipper Association is available to farm workers it is that we have learned the true meaning and who may have been exposed to the virus, have tangible results of “we are all in this together.” ••• tested positive or have symptoms. This housing Christopher Valadez is the president of includes daily deliveries of meals and other necessities as well as welfare checks by health the Grower-Shipper Assn. of Central California.
“Nisene Gateway” from page 16 Since the yearlong pandemic is keeping a hold on Santa Cruz County – we’re in the Orange Tier, and because the case rate hasn’t dropped low enough long enough, as of May 11, we haven’t been able to move to the less restrictive Yellow Tier. This means respecting county guidance on outdoor gatherings, limiting the number of attendees and encouraging social distancing. Or as Marco put it, “No hugs people, not yet.” People who volunteer on May 30 will get a chance to do good, meet their
neighbors safely, and learn more about Nisene Rio Gateway. Mark your calendar. n