"During this stressful period we want to be clear that no one will lose their jobs and all workers will continue to be paid, and we continue to pay for and provide all supplies, groceries, as well as any medications they would need." That is stated by Justin Geertsema, owner of the Canadian pepper greenhouse Greenhill Produce that is currently dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak among their workers.
Up to now 43 of the companies workers have been tested positively for the virus. Every individual who has tested positive or had symptoms is in isolation, the Chatham Kent Public Health office explained earlier. The workers at Greenhill Produce contracted the virus from a staff member who tested positive on April 8 and lives outside of the facilities, the medical officer of health said.
"We’re working closely with CK Public Health and are following their specific guidance explicitly. They are directing all our protocols and isolation activities on farm including mandatory active screening, physical distancing, accommodation specifics, requiring all employees to wear masks and glove at all times, instituting strict sanitation processes to be executed twice a day, and erecting physical barriers where needed", Justin explained on the companies website, in a response to an anonymous letter that was published to discuss the living conditions of workers in the Canadian horticulture.
"I completely appreciate and understand some individual’s concerns right now, it is a difficult time. Greenhill Produce cares deeply for our employees and takes all steps to protect their health and safety. We talk to our employees regularly to let them know we are here to support them and to let them know we are taking all health guidelines seriously", Justin adds.
"In terms of bunkhouse conditions, we are proud to provide some of the best quality living quarters for our workers, meeting and greatly exceeding federal government regulations. Examples of amenities we provide in all residences is free Wi-Fi, telephone, satellite tv in each bedroom, extremely high quality furnishings, kitchen and sanitary amenities, fire alarm system, in floor heating and air conditioning.”