Washington state’s leading agricultural groups have successfully lobbied state regulators to reverse course on mask-wearing. If workers are fully vaccinated, they no longer need to wear a mask or socially distance at work or in congregate housing. 

The announcement in early June was welcomed by the Washington Farm Bureau chief executive John Stuhlmiller and  Washington Farm Labour Association executive director Dan Fazio who said in a joint statement: 

“This is great news. Farmers are gearing up for the start of the summer harvest season and these updated regulations will go a long way to putting them on the path to economic recovery.

“Farmers have always made safety a top priority. We have done the right thing by enhancing worker safety through testing and achieving among the highest vaccinations rates in the nation.”

There’s still no word on guidance in Canada on what life might look like on farms post-vaccination.   

As of June 6, Ontario reported that 72 per cent of adults aged 18 and older had received one dose.  Roll-out of the second dose is now underway.  

Source:  Western Fruit Grower