Innovative Cohort Process to Minimize COVID-19 Infection for Migrant Farmworkers During Travel to Iowa

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Migrant and seasonal farmworkers (MSFW) face elevated risks of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
• Existing health disparities are exacerbated in this vulnerable population.
• Proactive safety measures are crucial for protecting essential agricultural workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an innovative cohorting strategy for MSFW during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy in preventing viral transmission.
• To promote safe working conditions for farm laborers.

Main Methods:

• Employer-arranged pre-travel safety protocols including mask use and hygiene.
• Post-arrival surveillance testing and housing cohorting based on travel groups.
• Isolation and quarantine procedures aligned with CDC guidelines.

Main Results:

• The cohorting process resulted in a 3.5% COVID-19 positivity rate.
• This rate is significantly lower than an earlier, un-planned outbreak (12.7%) on the same farm.
• Early identification and isolation of infected workers were key.

Conclusions:

• A collaborative model involving employers, healthcare providers, and workers effectively minimizes infections.
• This approach enables safe agricultural work and protects essential laborers.
• Enhanced governmental support for MSFW protections is recommended to strengthen disease prevention infrastructure.