Covid-19 Updates & Resources
We want to assist you during this challenging time, which is why the Sonoma County Winegrowers team has compiled helpful resources and updates to share with you in regard to Covid-19.
Health Advisory & Best Practices Information:
Practice Sensible Health Habits. The Centers for Disease Control has provided safety guidelines, including:
- Wash your hands frequently with an alchol-based hand rub or soap and water. It is suggested that a 20-second washing is appropriate.
- Maintain social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. The virus enters the body through these three areas.
- Practice respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissues when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care.
Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS) has created a document in both Spanish and English to help shows us a few simple things we can do to protect yourself, your co-workers and your family during this time. Please click here for more information.
Free Masks for Vineyard Employees
The Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation has purchased 10,000 KN95 masks (these are not N95 masks, but are very similar and would work now during the new health order and also for farming and potential fire crisis in the future). You will need temporary masks such as bandanas, t-shirts, sweatshirts, towels, turtlenecks, or other fabric starting on Friday, April 17th but these KN95 masks can be used for the Public Health Order and your farming activities. We are offering these masks FREE for our vineyard employees. We will offer ONE mask per employee on a first-come-first-served basis.
Grape growers, if your vineyard employees are in need of KN95 masks, please reach out to Valerie Pearce, [email protected], via an email with your company name and how many masks you need. St. Joseph’s Health also has access to masks so please be sure to reach out to us if you are in need.
Resources, Links and Documents
Please browse below for the most updated
resources & information on Covid-19 for winegrowers
New Cal/OSHA Emergency Standard Approved
On November 30th, 2020, the Office of Administrative Law approved a new emergency standard from the Occupational Health and Safety Standards Board. This new regulation takes effect immediately. Read on for highlights of the regulation and information on webinars from CAWG.
SONOMA COUNTY GRAPE GROWERS FOUNDATION FARMWORKER RESILIENCY FUNDS
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation (SCGGF) has launched two separate funds to support Sonoma County’s ag employees and their families through this very difficult time. These two funds are designed to help alleviate some of the financial strain being placed on our local ag community.
WINEGRAPES ELIGIBLE UNDER CORONAVIRUS FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has incorporated improvements for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) based from stakeholder engagement and public feedback to better meet the needs of impacted farmers and ranchers. One of these changes is that grapes, including winegrapes, are now eligible to apply for assistance under CFAP 2.
USDA CORONAVIRUS FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2 FACT SHEET
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has created a 4-page fact sheet on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2)
USDA CFAP2 RECORDED WEBINAR AVAILABLE HERE
For more information, FSA hosted a webinar for interested CFAP2 applicants on Sept 24.
SONOMA COUNTY COVID-19 RESPONSE STRATEGIES
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors unanimously endorsed a suite of actions to support those most negatively impacted by the spread of coronavirus, including those in low-income, essential workers and the Latinx communities.
COVID-19 WORKPLACE EXPOSURE STATE REQUIREMENTS
AB 685 (Chapter 84, Statutes of 2020) is a new California law that requires employers to notify employees who may have been exposed to COVID-19 and to report workplace outbreaks of COVID-19 to their local health department.
NOTIFYING EMPLOYEES OF WORKPLACE OUTBREAKS
Upon identifying a COVID-19 case in the workplace, you are required to provide information to your employees.
SONOMA COUNTY SMALL BUSINESS STABILIZATION GRANT
In partnership with Working Solutions, Bay Area CDFI, small businesses in Sonoma County with between 1 and 30 employees will be able to apply for grants of $2,500 to $15,000 in Covid-19 relief funding to use towards expenses including payroll, utilities, rent or mortgage expenses.
AG SUPPORT & PROTECTION EMERGENCY MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM- ASAP
In response to the impacts of COVID-19 on the Sonoma County agricultural community, Ag + Open Space has created the Agricultural Support and Protection (ASAP) Emergency Matching Grant Program.
A MESSAGE ON COVID-19 SAFETY FROM SONOMA COUNTY FARMERS- SPANISH
This video, produced in partnership with the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, features local agricultural employees, farmers, and community leaders who express how crucial it is to use proper safety measures to keep our community, family members, and coworkers safe. Please be sure to share this video with your labor force!
COVID-19 HARVEST PROTOCOLS WORKBOOK
The COVID-19 Harvest Protocols Workbook was created by the California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. These health and safety protocols for vineyard and winery operations are based on current governmental health and safety guidance (CDC, OSHA, FDA, and CDPH).
COVID-19 HARVEST PROTOCOLS WORKBOOK- SPANISH
The COVID-19 Harvest Protocols Workbook was created by the California Association of Winegrape Growers, Wine Institute, and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. These health and safety protocols for vineyard and winery operations are based on current governmental health and safety guidance (CDC, OSHA, FDA, and CDPH).
URGENCY ORDINANCE FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCES APPROVAL
The Urgency Ordinance for Agricultural Experiences in Sonoma County is approved. This allows existing agricultural operations to host agricultural experiences such as hikes, nature walks, tours, picnics, and other outdoor activities that are designed to promote local agricultural production.
CDFA'S COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR FOOD & AGRICULTURE
Visit CDFA’s COVID-19 Resources for Food and Agriculture to view additional materials that are part of CDFA’s continuous effort to support California’s vibrant farming and ranching community.
TIPS: EDUCATING FARMWORKERS ON COVID-19
These tips reinforces and broadens the education component through highlighting what actions have worked best in the field for farmworker education.
CDFA COVID-19 AWARENESS FOR AGRICULTURE
COVID-19 Awareness for Agriculture offers straightforward advice on how to prevent, educate and respond to COVID-19.
CDC RESUMING BUSINESS TOOLKIT
The Resuming Business Toolkit is designed to assist employers in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and lowering the impact in their workplace when reintegrating employees into non-healthcare business settings.
CDC AG EMPLOYER CHECKLIST FOR CREATING A COVID-19 ASSESSMENT & CONTROL PLAN
Ag employers can use this CDC Checklist to create a COVID-19 assessment and control plan for applying specific preparation, prevention and management measures to prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19.
CAL/OSHA SAFETY & HEALTH GUIDANCE
View a flyer in English & Spanish with information on Covid-19 Infection Prevention for Agricultural Employers and Employees
CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 AGRICULTURAL WORKSITE CHECKLIST
CAWG has provided an Agricultural Worksite Checklist, produced by the Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety at UC Davis. It’s a great document that succinctly itemizes steps you should take to protect your ag workforce and minimize the spread of COVID-19. Click to see the checklist in English & Spanish.
ZENITH INSURANCE COMPANY
Zenith has created a COVID-19 Guidance for Agricultural Operations. This guide helps employers with information, best practices, and resources to deliver information to employees regarding the COVID-19. This guide will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.
CDFA BEST PRACTICES FOR COVID-19 & THE FOOD SUPPLY
Food producers and manufacturers have been required by longstanding federal and state laws and regulations to prevent anyone who is sick or has a communicable disease from handling, processing or preparing food for human consumption. Click here to read Best Practice Guidelines from CDFA in English & Spanish.
FDA COVID-19 FAQ - ENGLISH
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in ENGLISH
FDA COVID-19 FAQ - SPANISH
Preguntas frecuentes sobre la Enfermedad del Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) - U.S. Food & Drug Administration in SPANISH
CDC COVID-19 FAQ
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
USDA COVID-19 FAQ
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
CDC RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS & EMPLOYERS
Center for Disease Control: Plan, Prepare and Respond
EMERGENCY PAID SICK LEAVE ACT SIGNED BY PRESIDENT TRUMP
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed legislation extending paid sick leave and paid family leave benefits to millions of Americans to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please click below for more information on coverage, eligibility and use.
CDC GUIDELINES FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS - ENGLISH
To ensure continuity of operations of essential functions, CDC advises that critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue work following potential exposure to COVID-19, provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them and the community
NEW CDC GUIDELINES FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS - SPANISH
To ensure continuity of operations of essential functions, CDC advises that critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue work following potential exposure to COVID-19, provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them and the community.
PPE GLOVES / GLOVE-SAFETY TIPS
The California Department of of Pesticide Regulation has provided the following resources for folks who are having trouble finding PPE for their pesticide use activities in agricultural production applications. Click below for an acceptable list of PPE Gloves / glove-safety tips
N95 ALTERNATIVES FOR PESTICIDE HANDLING
The California Department of of Pesticide Regulation has provided the following resources for folks who are having trouble finding PPE for their pesticide use activities in agricultural production applications. Click below N95 alternatives for pesticide handling
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY - STATUS OF H-2A WORKERS
Click below for a notice from the Department of Homeland Security regarding status of H-2A workers during the Covid-19 crisis, including travel restrictions
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - STATUS OF H-2A WORKERS
Click below for additional information from the USDA on H-2A and Covid-19
THE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
This new legislation requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
SONOMA COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD (EDB)
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the Economic Development Board (EDB) has compiled a comprehensive list of local, state and government resources and benefits for businesses and employees affected by the emerging situation
CREATIVE SONOMA
Visit the Creative Sonoma page for a list of relief organizations and funds
USDA CROP INSURANCE FLEXIBILITY
USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) is authorizing self-certification on replant inspections and waiving witness signature in certain situations as part of a broader suite of flexibilities to support America's Farmers and Ranchers. Click below for more information.
THE SAQUI LAW GROUP: AG EMPLOYER CRISIS MANAGEMENT BRIEFING
This recent webinar included hot topics such as critical infrastructure; immigration /H2A updates, employee communications, Families First Coronavirus Response Act; WARN Act; and workplace FAQs
INDUSTRY RESOURCES PROVIDED BY THE CALIFORNIA WINE INSTITUTE
Click here for a list of industry resources provided by the California Wine Institute During Covid-19