Mar 16, 2020

Michigan Migrant Labor Housing Program issues coronavirus guidelines

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Migrant Labor Housing Program is designed to ensure the safety of housing occupied by five or more migrant agriculture workers. With the growing concern over the coronavirus

(COVID-19), here is some guidance for licensees. To view the full guidance click IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MIGRANT LABOR HOUSING AND CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).  

WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN WITH SOAP AND WARM WATER FOR AT LEAST 20 SECONDS AND PROVIDE HAND-WASHING FACILITIES, HAND SANITIZER WITH AT LEAST 60 PERCENT ALCOHOL AND CLEANING SUPPLIES CONTAINING BLEACH FOR ALL WORKERS ON YOUR FARM.

How does COVID-19 spread?

• Coughing and sneezing without proper cover.
• Close personal contact (within six feet of a laboratory confirmed person).
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

Symptoms

People diagnosed with COVID-19 have reported fever, cough and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may appear in as few as two days or up to 14 days after exposure. 

How do I help prevent the spread of illnesses?

• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
•  Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Overhead announcements and group text (SMS) should be used instead of physical gathering to share information.
• Limit close congregation for social or dining activities.
• Hand washing signs should be posted in all bathrooms, kitchens, and visible in all housing locations. If language barriers exist, signage should be posted in the native language of your workers to make sure they are effective.

What about facemasks?

• CDC does not recommend healthy people wear a facemask.
• Facemasks should be worn by healthcare workers and people taking care of someone infected with COVID-19.
• If you are sick with respiratory illness and visit a healthcare provider, you may be asked to wear a facemask during your visit.

What should I do if my employee is exhibiting symptoms?

• Employees who are sick or showing respiratory symptoms should NOT work until they are symptom free.
• If an individual is exhibiting symptoms, they need to be separated from the population and put in an isolated room away from others.
  • Separate quarters with separate bathroom facilities for each individual or family group are preferred.
  • Cleaning supplies such as disinfectant wipes and sprays, must be provided in any shared bathroom.
  • If an individual sharing a bathroom becomes symptomatic, all others sharing the bathroom should be considered a possible carrier until the symptomatic person is appropriately evaluated and cleared.