Thread by @monaeltahawy

Across the U.S., about 2.5 million farmworkers, most of whom are Latinx, work on American farms.

“...the value of the agricultural labor force, which has long lived in the shadows, is becoming much clearer to Americans than it’s ever been.” #COVID19 google.com/amp/s/civileat…

“Advocates say it’s the conditions outside of work that place farmworkers in most danger. Many workers carpool to work—with 4 to 6 workers sharing a single car—or are bused to work on packed buses. And their crowded living conditions pose perhaps the biggest challenge.” #COVID19

“A growing number of foreign guest workers, most hailing from #Mexico, are brought to the U.S. every year under the H-2A visa program...the State Department last week decided to suspend visa processing at the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico...” #COVID19

Working outside may minimize the risk to farmworkers, experts say, but that’s not the case for packing houses and canneries, since the virus is spread by respiratory droplets and can survive on surfaces for up to three days. #COVID19

Earlier this month, Norma Ahedo, community health worker coordinator for the Salinas-based Center For Community Advocacy. did a health check at an apartment in Salinas where four farmworker families—including seven children—were living in three small bedrooms and the living room

“These are small spaces, very closed in, with few windows and many people living on top of each other,” Ahedo said. “And if someone does get sick, where will they go?” #COVID19

Many farmworkers are undocumented, can’t file for unemployment & won’t benefit from aid package Congress passes.

Language is major barrier to accessing info about #COVID19. Many workers speak only Spanish, some primarily speak Indigenous languages such as Triqui & Mixteco.

Farmworkers continue to work, designated as “essential workers” by the Department of Homeland Security. Nearly half lack legal work authorization and residency status, making them ineligible for essential benefits that could help them stay home when sick. #COVID19