COVID-19 tests available for Florida farmworkers, families

As Florida’s fall harvest season begins, there are new efforts to provide COVID-19 testing for farmworkers.

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried recently announced the program, in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Florida Division of Emergency Management and county governments.

Starting in October, farmworkers have access to numerous free COVID-19 testing events in top agricultural counties, according to a news release. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is also giving support for the program, which will continue as funding, demand and availability allow, according to the release.

“Florida’s farmworkers are essential workers critical to feeding 150 million Americans, but they’re also more susceptible to respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, and often lack health coverage,” Fried said in a call announcing the tests according to a news release. “As the harvest season begins, having access to coronavirus testing will help keep farmworkers, their families, and their communities safe, with a potential next COVID-19 wave coming this fall.”

The testing will be for employees, farmworkers and their families. Testing sites will allow for walk-ups and appointments, and mobile testing for groups might be available in some counties, according to the release. Participants must wear masks and provide personal information. Results will generally be available in 36 hours.

Testing information for two counties is available:

• Miami-Dade County, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Oct. 6, 7 and 8 at 18905 SW 280th Street in Homestead (786-746-7887 for more information); and
• Hillsborough County, 5-8 p.m., Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at San Jose Mission in Dover (727-309-8682 or 813-300-3777 for more information).

Testing dates for St. Lucie and Hendry counties will be available.