Seasonal and Migrant farmworker are considered “essential critical infrastructure workers” during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain our communities feed while risking their own health. Farmworkers already face numerous challenges to protect themselves and their families and even more drastically during times of emergency due to isolation, language barriers, lack of transportation, and lack of connection to services in the community.
As we navigate these unprecedented times with the COVID-19 pandemic the farmworker Unit will continue monitoring developments and share resources and guidelines for seasonal and migrant farmworkers in North Carolina.
To keep up with federal and state level health recommendations follow:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/covid19
NCDHHS provided on March 26, 2020 guidance for Migrant Farmworkers, Employers and Housing Providers during COVID-19: https://files.nc.gov/ncdhhs/documents/files/covid-19/interim-covid-guidance-migrant-farm-workers.pdf
Resources for Seasonal and Migrant Farmworkers and their families
What is COVID-19? (in Spanish)
CDC COVID-19 Symptoms Flyer (in Spanish)
CDC COVID-19 Prevention Flyer (in Spanish)
Know Your Rights for H2A Workers and Employer Meal Plans (in Spanish)
During COVID-19 it is likely employers will promote meals plans to workers to reduce exposure but it is important to note these are not mandatory and workers have the right to accept or deny meal programs. Learn more and share with H2A workers.
updated 4/15/20
Farmworker Advocacy Network (FAN) Safety Poster for Migrant Labor Camps
the Safety Poster for Migrant Labor Camps in North Carolina was developed to equip farmworkers with contact information for local emergency services and resources, information that is particularly crucial in the wake of a natural disaster or pandemic.
updated 3/30/20
North Carolina Justice Center Immigrant Access to Health Care & Benefits in Time of Emergency Flyer
updated 3/14/20
Contact information for all Farmworker Health Agencies in North Carolina
updated 4/9/20
How to file a North Carolina Department of Labor Housing complaint
(updated 4/29/20)
H2A Farmworkers Eligibility for Federal Benefits during COVID-19
Information on eligibility for H2A farmworkers on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act passed by the federal goverment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
H2A Farmworkers Economic Impact Payments Eligibility
The Workers Protection Standard and COVID-19
Retaliatory Employment Discrimination during COVID-19 Infographic
Know Your Rights for Migrant Farmworkers and Employer Provided Housing (in Spanish)
Employers are required to provide a safe and in good conditions housing under the North Carolina Migrant Housing Act even during COVID-19. Handout answers frequently asked question related to employer provided housing during COVID-19.