COVID-19 and Agricultural Workers: A Descriptive Study

Exploring differences in perceived barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccine uptake and testing intention by vaccination status and testing hesitancy among rural Latino communities in Southwest Florida

BACKGROUND

Identifying factors impacting vaccination and testing for COVID-19 is crucial to reduce health disparities, especially for rural/agricultural, low access and high poverty Latino communities disproportionately affected by the pandemic. This study examined differences in perceived barriers and facilitators (such as values, beliefs, and concerns) to COVID-19 vaccine uptake and testing intention by vaccination status and testing hesitancy among rural Latino community members in Southwest Florida.

METHODS

Rural Latino community members (N = 493) completed a cross-sectional survey in Spanish (86.0%) or English (14.0%) on perceived COVID-19 vaccine/testing barriers and facilitators, as well as demographics, mental health, medical history, health perceptions, and health literacy.

RESULTS

At the time of the survey, approximately 43% of participants were unvaccinated and 46.4% were testing hesitant. Significantly more vaccinated participants acknowledged keeping their family (d = .25), community (d = .27), and themselves (d = .22) safe as facilitators to vaccination (ps < .001). Among the unvaccinated participants, the most common concerns for getting vaccinated were side effects (d = -.53) and lack of knowledge about how the vaccine works (d = -.35, ps < .001). Testing hesitant participants reported concerns including not knowing where to get tested (d = -.25, p = 0.01) and less confidence in a positive test result (d = -.40, p < 0.001). Doctors and faith leaders were ranked as the most trusted information sources across groups. In logistic regression models, vaccination was linked to age, gender, education, and protecting others, while concerns about needles and side effects reduced odds; testing was driven by education, anxiety, hope, and safety concerns.

CONCLUSION

Promoting family and community safety may be effective facilitators influencing vaccine and testing intention in rural Latino communities. Enhanced education by trusted information sources, such as doctors and faith leaders may alleviate associated concerns. Our findings may inform actions for future pandemics. Further studies should determine the generalizability of our findings across other rural migrant communities and other vaccines.

Promoting Workplace Health, Safety, and Well-Being Among Essential Agricultural Workers Through Vaccine-Preventable Infectious Diseases Training in the Rio Grande Valley

INTRODUCTION

Health, safety, and well-being training programs provide essential education on anticipating, identifying, and mitigating exposures like infectious diseases. Gaps in infectious diseases awareness and education became especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently were exacerbated by mis- and disinformation.

METHODS

Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases training (influenza, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus infections, including COVID-19) was developed, delivered, and evaluated among 1,043 farmworkers, bodega workers, and production management in the Rio Grande Valley using mobile-learning technologies. The Kirkpatrick Four-Level Training Evaluation Model was utilized to evaluate training satisfaction (Level 1), effectiveness (Level 2), and effect on behavior (Level 3).

RESULTS

The mean score on the pretest before training was 67.8% (SD 17.5), and the mean score on the same test immediately after the video training was 77.2% (SD 17.9). A paired t-test revealed that knowledge improved significantly from pre- to post-training (p < .05). We observed a difference between mean pre- and post-test scores relative to the pooled standard deviation, resulting in an effect size estimate of 0.53 indicative of a medium learning effect.

CONCLUSION

There is no "silver bullet" for training migrating bodega and farmworkers. Our findings suggest that the utilization of m-learning techniques continues to be a successful mechanism for delivering health, safety, and well-being awareness training content to agricultural workers in remote and challenging work environments. There is a long overdue need for offline capable software with features that allow equitable access to training, even in remote farming regions.

Vaccine Intention, Uptake, and Hesitancy Among US Certified Food Producers: The National COVID-19 Organic Farmer Study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate COVID-19 vaccine intention, uptake, and hesitancy among essential workers.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of USDA-certified organic producers. An electronic survey was used for data collection. Analyses included descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, and ordinal logistic regressions.

RESULTS

The dataset consisted of 273 records. While 63% of respondents had received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine, only 17% had the recommended minimum of 2 doses. More than two-thirds of unvaccinated individuals indicated no plan to receive the vaccine, and limited perception of vaccine necessity. They indicated concerns about side effects and a distrust of the vaccines and the government. Age, education level, acreage, region, and health insurance status were variables significantly associated with the number of doses of vaccine received.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions to encourage vaccination may target farmers who are less educated, live alone or just with one other person, lack health insurance, and run larger farms. Results also suggest focusing on enhancing trust in science and the government. Theory-based approaches that address low perception of risk and severity may be more likely to be effective with this population. Information on how US organic producers handled the COVID-19 pandemic is critical for emergency preparedness and food system stability.

Health impact of the COVID-19 in Spanish non-healthcare workers by gender: Use of sickness absence for surveillance

INTRODUCTION

At the beginning of the pandemic, the identification of transmission chains was biased towards more closely monitored sectors, such as healthcare and sociosanitary centers.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our research is to describe the impact of the pandemic on the Spanish non-healthcare workers measured through health-related workplace absences.

METHODS

A descriptive study of the cases of COVID-19-related temporary disability (TD) between February 15th and September 17th, 2020, was carried out. TD quarantine/infection ratios were calculated for every economic sector of activity. Rates of COVID-19 TDs per 100,000 affiliated workers were obtained, by gender, age, economic activity of the company or occupation of the worker.

RESULTS

A total of 1,126,755 TDs were recorded, 45.4% in women. The overall TD rates were 5,465 quarantines and 1,878 illnesses per 100,000 women, and 4,883 quarantines and 1,690 illnesses per 100,000 men. The highest incidence rates of TD due to illness were observed in younger age groups, under 30. The median TD quarantine/infection ratio was 2.6 (Interquartile range [IQR] 1.5-3.9), and Postal and Courier activities had the highest value: 4.7 quarantines per case (IQR: 3.75-6.12). The TD rates were higher in female workers in most sectors of activity and occupations compared to men in the same sectors and with the same occupations. The results show the uneven impact of COVID-19 by occupation, with a higher rates in less qualified occupations (unskilled workers and laborers) versus the first categories of the table (directors, managers, technicians, and professionals).

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirmed the high impact of COVID-19 on Spanish non-healthcare workers and it's inequalities. They also confirmed the potential use of TDs as an alternative source for epidemiological, public health surveillance and early warning of new emerging infections.

Social Vulnerabilities Among Hired Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers During COVID-19: The Need for Employment-Based Indicators

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore farmworkers' experiences of social vulnerability during the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Telephone surveys of 63 migrant and seasonal farmworkers across three major agricultural areas in Florida were conducted. The survey, designed and disseminated with critical support from a statewide farmworker membership and advocacy organization, included items related to social and occupational precarity and a suite of demographic conditions, including specific employment-based indicators and categories. Data were analyzed with SPSS using a series of statistical significance tests including Pearson's Chi-Square, Fisher's Exact, T-tests, and Mann-Whitney U. An open-ended question regarding employment precarity was also analyzed for frequencies of responses pertaining to a set of descriptive categories.

RESULTS

Survey findings demonstrated a high degree of social vulnerability among the farmworker sample, with notable variation in the type and severity of vulnerability and risk exposure across employment-based indicators and occupational categories. For example, a cross-industry comparison between vegetable field workers and greenhouse nursery workers revealed a disparity in COVID-exposure risk through commuting characteristics, as 43% of vegetable field workers used shared, employer-provided transport, while 68% of nursery workers used personal vehicles.

CONCLUSION

While previous research has broadly established the extreme precarity of migrant and seasonal farmworkers during the peak COVID-19 period, the variability of experience, exposure to risk, and social vulnerability between farmworkers representing distinct employment-based indicators and occupational categories demonstrated in this study contributes to widening awareness of the importance of assessing farmworker experiences at a more granular level. In addition to delineating social vulnerability across key demographic categories, cross-industry comparisons between farmworkers revealed significant discrepancies in risk and vulnerability to COVID-19. Future research that further explores this variability may reveal opportunities to improve disaster-relief planning and mitigate social vulnerability in future disaster scenarios. The importance of surveying the vulnerability of worker populations, aside from geographic communities, is highlighted.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Black and Hispanic Americans' Work Outcomes: a Scoping Review

In early 2020, it was hypothesized that COVID-19 would lead to disproportionately negative health and work outcomes for Black and Hispanic adults, but sufficient data had yet been collected to fully support this claim. Now, we have empirical evidence, but little has been done to aggregate this information to fully understand its impact on these communities. Utilizing 44 articles from a scoping review of three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Business Source Complete), this study seeks to identify the primary work-related risks that help explain Black and Hispanic adults' disparate COVID-19-related work outcomes (e.g., loss of hours, job disruption, stress). Findings illuminate four primary risks faced by Black and Hispanic workers: (1) being an essential worker, (2) type of work performed, (3) workplace factors; and (4) community and geographic factors. We conclude with policy recommendations that will help inform policy and practice for economic recovery from the pandemic for other marginalized populations.

Vaccine Uptake and Intentions: Insights from a Texas Survey on Factors Influencing COVID-19 Vaccination Decisions

The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines depends on widespread vaccine uptake. Employing a telephone-administered weighted survey with 19,502 participants, we examined the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among adults in Texas. We used multiple regression analysis with LASSO-selected variables to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake and intentions to receive the vaccine among the unvaccinated. The prevalence of unvaccinated individuals (22%) was higher among those aged 18-39, males, White respondents, English speakers, uninsured individuals, those facing financial challenges, and individuals expressing no concern about contracting the illness. In a fully adjusted regression model, higher odds of being unvaccinated were observed among males (aOR 1.11), the uninsured (aOR 1.38), smokers (aOR 1.56), and those facing financial struggles (aOR 1.62). Conversely, Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics were less likely to be unvaccinated compared to Whites. Among the unvaccinated, factors associated with stronger intent to receive the vaccine included age (over 65 years), Black and Hispanic ethnicity, and perceived risk of infection. Hispanic individuals, the uninsured, those covered by public insurance, and those facing financial challenges were more likely to encounter barriers to vaccine receipt. These findings underscore the importance of devising tailored strategies, emphasizing nuanced approaches that account for demographic, socioeconomic, and attitudinal factors in vaccine distribution and public health interventions.

Mobile Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines to Migrant Farmworkers in Minnesota

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted migrant farmworkers (MFWs). MFWs have experienced higher rates of infection and death than any other occupational group in the United States due to workplace exposure risks, overcrowded housing, and limited access to personal protective equipment. Barriers to accessing COVID-19 vaccines have also contributed to these disparities, especially in rural areas where the pandemic's impact has been devastating. Mobile health clinics, in partnership with community-based organizations, are an effective method for vaccine distribution to rural communities where many MFWs live and work. Between June 2021 and October 2022, the University of Minnesota's Mobile Health Initiative (MHI) organized health fairs in southern Minnesota to distribute vaccines to MFWs and their families. The success of these events can be attributed to partnering with trusted local organizations, bridging geographic barriers, ensuring language-concordant care, and offering multiple health services in one place. MHI's health fairs serve as a model for future mobile vaccination events. As the COVID-19 pandemic has ended as of this time, future pandemics may occur, and equitable vaccine access must be a priority for MFWs. Mobile health clinics are an essential tool to achieving this goal.

Increasing vaccine uptake among employees within the non-health related critical infrastructure sectors: A review

This review aimed to identify barriers to employee vaccination, motivators for vaccination, and vaccine uptake strategies within the critical infrastructure sectors. We focused on non-healthcare-related sectors, including food and agriculture, manufacturing, and education where employee vaccination is rarely mandated. We conducted a search for literature published from 2012 to 2022 from MEDLINE-PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science Core Collection, which resulted in 22 studies that met the inclusion criteria. We found that 1) barriers to vaccination differ by infectious disease and population; 2) common motivators for vaccination were about protecting self, family, and community; and 3) common uptake strategies for influenza (which accounted for 83% of uptake strategies in reviewed studies) addressed convenience and confidence barriers such as vaccination cost and education. Our review highlights the need for employers, policymakers, and researchers to identify infectious disease and population-specific barriers to vaccination and implement strategies aimed at addressing the identified barriers.

The Influence of Organizational Aspects of the U.S. Agricultural Industry and Socioeconomic and Political Conditions on Farmworkers' COVID-19 Workplace Safety

Farmworkers in the U.S. experienced high rates of COVID-19 infection and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their workplace may have been a significant place of exposure to the novel coronavirus. Using political economy of health theory, this study sought to understand how organizational aspects of the agricultural industry and broader socioeconomic and political conditions shaped farmworkers' COVID-19 workplace safety during the pandemic. Between July 2020 and April 2021, we conducted and analyzed fourteen in-depth, semi-structured phone interviews with Latinx farmworkers in California. Findings show that regulatory oversight reinforced COVID-19 workplace safety. In the absence of regulatory oversight, the organization of the agricultural industry produced COVID-19 workplace risks for farmworkers; it normalized unsafe working conditions and the worker-rather than employer-responsibility for workplace safety. Under these conditions, farmworkers enacted personal COVID-19 preventative practices but were limited by financial hardships that were exacerbated by the precarious nature of agricultural employment and legal status exclusions from pandemic-related aid. Unsafe workplace conditions negatively impacted workplace camaraderie. Study findings have implications for farmworkers' individual and collective agency to achieve safe working conditions. Occupational safety interventions must address the organizational aspects that produce workplace health and safety inequities and disempower farmworkers in the workplace.

Spanish-Language Communication of COVID-19 Information Across US Local Health Department Websites

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new urgency to a longstanding problem: the US health system is not well-equipped to accommodate the country's large limited English proficient (LEP) population in times of national emergency. We examined the landscape of Spanish-language COVID-19 website information compared to information in English provided by health departments of the top 10 cities by population in the USA. For each city, coders evaluated three score measures (amount of information, presentation quality, and ease of navigation) for six content types (general information, symptoms, testing, prevention, vaccines, and live statistics) across six delivery modes (print resources, website text, videos, external links, data visualization, and media toolkits). We then calculated a grand average, combining all cities' values per score measure for each content type-delivery mode combination, to understand the landscape of Spanish-language information across the country. Overall, we found that, for all cities combined, nearly all content types and delivery modes in Spanish were inferior or non-existent compared to English resources. Our findings also showed much variability and spread concerning content type and delivery mode of information. Finally, our findings uncovered three main clusters of content type and delivery mode combinations for Spanish-language information, ranging from similar to worse, compared to information in English. Our findings suggest that COVID-19 information was not equivalently provided in Spanish, despite federal guidance regarding language access during times of national emergency. These results can inform ongoing and future emergency communication plans for Spanish-preferring LEP and other LEP populations in the USA.

Factors influencing COVID-19 testing among Native Americans and Latinos in two rural agricultural communities: a qualitative study

Objective

To examine factors influencing decisions to test for COVID-19 among Native Americans on the Flathead Reservation in Montana and the Latino community in the Yakima Valley of Washington state.

Methods

We conducted 30 key informant interviews with community leaders and six focus groups with community members to examine factors impacting decisions to test for COVID-19 during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic from May 2021 to June 2021.

Results

Three major themes that impacted testing for COVID-19 were identified: (1) Social factors, including the influence of families and friends and employment practices; (2) health factors, including testing procedures, home-based testing, and health communication; and (3) contextual factors, including distrust for government and medical communities and the impact on cultural practices and celebrations.

Conclusions

Social, health, and contextual factors influence the decision to test for COVID-19. Understanding the community's perception is critical for successful implementation of preventive strategies.

Combined Infection Control Interventions Protect Essential Food Workers from Occupational Exposures to SARS-CoV-2 in the Agricultural Environment

Essential food workers experience elevated risks of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection due to prolonged occupational exposures in food production and processing areas, shared transportation (car or bus), and employer-provided shared housing. Our goal was to quantify the daily cumulative risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection for healthy susceptible produce workers and to evaluate the relative reduction in risk attributable to food industry interventions and vaccination. We simulated daily SARS-CoV-2 exposures of indoor and outdoor produce workers through six linked quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model scenarios. For each scenario, the infectious viral dose emitted by a symptomatic worker was calculated across aerosol, droplet, and fomite-mediated transmission pathways. Standard industry interventions (2-m physical distancing, handwashing, surface disinfection, universal masking, ventilation) were simulated to assess relative risk reductions from baseline risk (no interventions, 1-m distance). Implementation of industry interventions reduced an indoor worker's relative infection risk by 98.0% (0.020; 95% uncertainty interval [UI], 0.005 to 0.104) from baseline risk (1.00; 95% UI, 0.995 to 1.00) and an outdoor worker's relative infection risk by 94.5% (0.027; 95% UI, 0.013 to 0.055) from baseline risk (0.487; 95% UI, 0.257 to 0.825). Integrating these interventions with two-dose mRNA vaccinations (86 to 99% efficacy), representing a worker's protective immunity to infection, reduced the relative infection risk from baseline for indoor workers by 99.9% (0.001; 95% UI, 0.0002 to 0.005) and outdoor workers by 99.6% (0.002; 95% UI, 0.0003 to 0.005). Consistent implementation of combined industry interventions, paired with vaccination, effectively mitigates the elevated risks from occupationally acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection faced by produce workers. IMPORTANCE This is the first study to estimate the daily risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection across a variety of indoor and outdoor environmental settings relevant to food workers (e.g., shared transportation [car or bus], enclosed produce processing facility and accompanying breakroom, outdoor produce harvesting field, shared housing facility) through a linked quantitative microbial risk assessment framework. Our model has demonstrated that the elevated daily SARS-CoV-2 infection risk experienced by indoor and outdoor produce workers can be reduced below 1% when vaccinations (optimal vaccine efficacy, 86 to 99%) are implemented with recommended infection control strategies (e.g., handwashing, surface disinfection, universal masking, physical distancing, and increased ventilation). Our novel findings provide scenario-specific infection risk estimates that can be utilized by food industry managers to target high-risk scenarios with effective infection mitigation strategies, which was informed through more realistic and context-driven modeling estimates of the infection risk faced by essential food workers daily. Bundled interventions, particularly if they include vaccination, yield significant reductions (>99%) in daily SARS-CoV-2 infection risk for essential food workers in enclosed and open-air environments.

An Analysis of the Availability of Health Education Materials for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers

Community health workers (CHWs) have reported a paucity of farmworker-specific education materials for use during health outreach to farmworkers. To improve our understanding of the availability of topically and culturally relevant health education materials for farmworkers, we identified 15 key health topics to examine across four major online health information services: MedlinePlus.gov, Migrant Clinicians Network, National Agricultural Safety Database, and National Center for Farmworker Health. We established inter-coder reliability and conducted coding for health education materials by topic and identified the percentage of materials specifically designed for farmworkers. The availability of materials ranged from, on the low end, accessing clinic services, having one health education material total across all four online services, to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, having 50 materials across the four online services. Online health information services ranged from 0.6% of the materials designed specifically for farmworkers (MedlinePlus.gov) to 42.9% (Migrant Clinicians Network). The findings from this study underscore the need to support community-based projects centering CHWs' roles as advocates and facilitators to develop educational materials for farmworker health outreach.

Labor Impacts of COVID-19 in U.S. Agriculture: Evidence from the Current Population Survey

Early research hypothesized impacts of COVID-19 on agricultural workers, food supply, and rural health systems based on population characteristics from data collected preceding the pandemic. Trends confirmed a vulnerable workforce and limits to field sanitation, housing quality, and healthcare. Less is known about eventual, realized impacts. This article uses the Current Population Survey's COVID-19 monthly core variables from May 2020 through September 2022 to document actual impacts. Summary statistics and statistical models for the probability of being unable to work reveal that 6 to 8% of agricultural workers were unable to work early in the pandemic and that impacts were disproportionately negative for Hispanics and those with children. An implication is that targeted policies based on vulnerabilities may minimize disparate impacts of a public health shock. Understanding the full impacts of COVID-19 on essential labor remains important for economics, public policy, and food systems in addition to public health.

Real-time COVID-19 Education to Reduce Workplace Risks: Thematic Analysis of a COVID-19 Agricultural Employer Webinar Series

OBJECTIVES

California's agricultural industry, an "essential industry" during the COVID-19 pandemic, required support to understand and implement changing public health knowledge and regulations in the workplace. The Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (WCAHS) transitioned from traditional in-person trainings with agricultural stakeholders to remote engagement, such as webinars. We aimed to assess the use of real-time webinar trainings and identify agricultural employer concerns about reducing the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace.

METHODS

We conducted a thematic analysis of webinar chat from WCAHS' "Reduce the Risk of COVID-19 in Your Workplace" monthly webinar series held from December 2020-May 2021. De-identified chat transcripts were analyzed using a deductive approach to assess participant concerns as they related to prevention and response actions, employer responsibilities, and evolving public health knowledge. Codes were identified by an iterative process using semantic interpretation and summarized into four major themes.

RESULTS

Our analysis reveals participants' concerns relating to (1) prevention of COVID-19 in the workplace, (2) response to COVID-19 in the workplace, (3) employer concerns, and (4) evolving, real-time knowledge. Participants shared multiple, overlapping concerns. Many also asked for information tailored to specific scenarios in their workplace.

CONCLUSION

Providing industry-specific guidance and examples in an accessible means is critical for supporting agricultural employers and their highly vulnerable workers. Virtual trainings will likely continue to be an effective means of outreach with the agricultural industry. Future outreach and education efforts should consider virtual engagement and opportunities to document experiences amid changing work environments, social cultures, and learning activities.

Impact of COVID-19 on USDA-certified organic producers: exploring the role of sociodemographic and contextual factors

The demand of local and organic products increased during the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and farmers’ risk for transmission and infection also increased. A comprehensive picture on the effects of the pandemic on the organic farmer is not available. This was a cross-sectional survey study on the impact of COVID-19 on United States (US) certified organic producers, specifically on the challenges the pandemic imposed on the farm and the farming community. Data were collected in 2020–2021 through an electronic and paper survey. Participants included organic producers listed in the USDA Organic Integrity Database. Respondents represented producers from 40 states. The most frequently reported farm impacts were market availability (45.6%) and contact with the customer base (34.9%). The most frequently cited farming community impacts were economic hardship (44.2%), customer interaction and access (33.4%), and market availability (32.6%). Female respondents reported slightly more impacts than did male respondents (1.8 vs 1.3, p < .001). Hispanic reported more impacts on average than did non-Hispanic respondents (2.1 vs 1.4, p = .002). Differences by age and education were also found. Only a small percentage applied for and received emergency financial assistance. Results indicate that the pandemic had a multilevel impact on the workforce and on access to the market and costumers. They highlight the role of personal and contextual factors on how the producer experienced the pandemic. Also of relevance is that a high majority of participants did not pursue pandemic-specific assistance. The results of this study may inform research and policy, and interventions to protect and support organic producers in future emergencies.

One Health Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in People and Animals on Multiple Mink Farms in Utah

From July−November 2020, mink (Neogale vison) on 12 Utah farms experienced an increase in mortality rates due to confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We conducted epidemiologic investigations on six farms to identify the source of virus introduction, track cross-species transmission, and assess viral evolution. Interviews were conducted and specimens were collected from persons living or working on participating farms and from multiple animal species. Swabs and sera were tested by SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and serological assays, respectively. Whole genome sequencing was attempted for specimens with cycle threshold values <30. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected by rRT-PCR or serology in ≥1 person, farmed mink, dog, and/or feral cat on each farm. Sequence analysis showed high similarity between mink and human sequences on corresponding farms. On farms sampled at multiple time points, mink tested rRT-PCR positive up to 16 weeks post-onset of increased mortality. Workers likely introduced SARS-CoV-2 to mink, and mink transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to other animal species; mink-to-human transmission was not identified. Our findings provide critical evidence to support interventions to prevent and manage SARS-CoV-2 in people and animals on mink farms and emphasizes the importance of a One Health approach to address emerging zoonoses.

"We left the crop there lying in the field": Agricultural worker experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural US-Mexico border region

California agricultural workers are predominately Latino/a, are medically underserved, and reside in larger households, placing them at elevated COVID-19 risk at work and at home. While some research has examined COVID-19 among agricultural workers in the interior of the United States, little research exists on experiences of COVID-19 along the US-Mexico border. Grounded in resilience thinking, this study aims to understand how agricultural workers navigated their heightened risk to COVID-19 at work and at home, and made use of available resources in the context of a bi-national community. Our study utilized qualitative interviews with 12 agricultural workers to understanding the COVID-19 experiences of resident and daily migrant agricultural workers in Imperial County, California, located along the US-Mexico border. Findings suggest that agricultural workers faced significant impacts and risks at work (work stoppages, stress about bringing COVID-19 home to family) and at home (contracting COVID-19, loss of friends and family, and mental health challenges). Agricultural workers and their employers often implemented COVID-19 precautions such as social distancing measures, personal protective equipment, hand washing and hand sanitizers, and isolation. Many agricultural workers did access testing resources on either side of the US-Mexico border and worked with US-based Spanish-speaking community-based organizations to register for vaccine appointments. To better support agricultural workers and their employers in the future, we recommend the following: 1. Prioritize agricultural workplace conditions to increase agricultural worker physical and mental health, 2. Extend public health services into agricultural work sites of transit and the workplace, and 3. Lastly, trusted Spanish-speaking community-based organizations can play a critical role in public health outreach.

High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence and Rapid Neutralizing Antibody Decline among Agricultural Workers in Rural Guatemala, June 2020-March 2021

Essential agricultural workers work under occupational conditions that may increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and transmission. Data from an agricultural worker cohort in Guatemala, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid IgG (anti-N IgG) testing were used to estimate past infections and analyze risk factors associated with seropositivity at enrollment and association with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The stability of neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses were assessed in a subset of participants. The adjusted relative risk (aRR) for seroprevalence at enrollment was estimated accounting for correlations within worksites. At enrollment, 616 (46.2%) of 1334 (93.2%) participants had anti-N IgG results indicating prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. A cough ≤ 10 days prior to enrollment (aRR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.13−1.46) and working as a packer (aRR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.67−2.38) or packing manager within the plants (aRR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.36−2.43) were associated with increased risk of seropositivity. COVID-19 incidence density among seronegative workers was 2.3/100 Person-Years (P-Y), higher than seropositive workers (0.4/100 P-Y). Most workers with follow-up NAb testing (65/77, 84%) exhibited a 95% average decrease in NAb titers in <6 months. While participants seropositive at baseline were less likely to experience a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during follow-up, NAb titers rapidly waned, underscoring the need for multipronged COVID-19 prevention strategies in the workplace, including vaccination.