COVID-19 guidance for workers this season from Maine CDC

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry sent this bulletin at 06/30/2022 01:17 PM EDT

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Agricultural Resource Development

The below are COVID-19 updates from Maine CDC to employers that may be useful for the 2022 Maine agricultural seasons. There have been some changes to prior guidelines and available resources.

Community partners and employer COVID-19 guidance for workers from Maine CDC

Changes to COVID-19 Guidance

  • There are currently no Maine-specific COVID-19 guidelines. Employers and community partners should follow COVID-19 Guidance from US CDC, which is updated regularly.
  • COVID-19 Community Levels are a tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. These data are based at the county level and updated regularly.
  • Layered protection strategies—like staying up-to-date on vaccines, wearing well-fitted masks, assuring good ventilation in indoor spaces, and physical distancing —can help prevent transmission and reduce severe illness and the potential for strain on the healthcare system. 
  • In addition, using self-tests (or home tests) can identify persons that should isolate, which reduces the chances of spreading COVID-19.
  • For specific information about COVID-19 recommendations as it relates to people traveling to Maine this summer, visit the US CDC’s COVID-19 Travel page. Some travelers may be subject to testing and/or vaccine requirements, especially if traveling by air. There are no Maine-specific testing or vaccination requirements for travelers.
  • People with COVID-19 and close contacts should follow the US CDC’s Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines.
  • For more information about the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)’s response to COVID-19, visit its COVID-19 page which includes regulations, rulemaking, standards, and guidance. 

Reporting to Maine CDC

  • There are no changes regarding how or when to report COVID-19 cases to Maine CDC since last year.
  • COVID-19 cases are reportable immediately by telephone on recognition or strong suspicion of disease. A full list of notifiable diseases and conditions is found on Maine CDC’s Disease Reporting Page.
  • Disease Reporting can be reached 24 hours a day at (800) 821-5821. If you require immediate consultation with an on-call Epidemiologist after hours please let the person who answers the phone know the details of the situation and make this request.
  • COVID-19 Social Supports referrals are available 7 days a week by sending an email to DHHS.COVIDSocialSupport@maine.gov.

COVID-19 Resources

  • Maine CDC will continue to take the lead on outbreak investigations and communication with stakeholders if/when outbreaks occur. The best way for you to reach us is at the number above.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are widely available for farmworkers and their families. If you would like assistance with ensuring that community members can access these vaccines, including the potential for on-site vaccination events, please contact us.
  • Individuals who test positive should isolate immediately and not wait for a call from Maine CDC to isolate. Those individuals should also let their close contacts know about their exposure. 
  • Maine DHHS is providing limited support for individuals to isolate and quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure or diagnosis through the end of this year. For more information and to access these services, visit the COVID-19 Community Care Page. These services are provided by community partners such as Downeast Community Partners, Penquis, and Mano en Mano. 
  • Isolation and quarantine shelters for COVID-19 are no longer available. Individuals who need to isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure should follow the current guidelines and isolate and/or quarantine the best that they can depending on the situation. Employers are encouraged to provide separate housing for isolation and quarantine on-site. Employers should not expect a hotel room to be available in the event of isolation or quarantine for workers.
  • Maine CDC can provide recommendations for employers who wish to determine the best way to provide isolation and/or quarantine housing based on the resources available.

For questions or to discuss the upcoming harvest contact Ian Yaffe, Director, Office of Population Health Equity, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.