Canadian farms site of 64 COVID-19 outbreaks in 2020, most tied to greenhouses

Canadian farms site of 64 COVID-19 outbreaks in 2020, most tied to greenhouses The events were tied to 2,022 COVID-19 cases, and 58% of outbreaks occurred on farms classified as greenhouses. CIDRAP

Officials confirmed 64 farm outbreaks associated with 2,202 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ontario during 2020, according to new data presented in a CCDR report from the Canadian government, suggesting farms—especially greenhouse farms—played a significant role as a site of transmission during the early months of the pandemic.

Agricultural workers were deemed essential workers in Canada during the pandemic. According to government records, 32% of farmworkers in Ontario worked in indoor greenhouses, where humidity and ventilation allowed for easier viral transmission. Moreover, one third of farmworkers in Canada are temporary foreign workers, who share transportation and close living quarters.

...