LACEY, WA - Previously, we reported that Washington ag leaders called upon Governor Jay Inslee to include farmworkers in its updated COVID-19 regulations. After ongoing appeals, state regulators announced last Friday, May 28, that fully vaccinated farmworkers do not have to wear a mask or socially distance at work or in congregate housing facilities, like all other vaccinated employees in the state.

Previously, Washington state said it would let stand COVID-19 restrictions for farmers and their vaccinated workers that contradicted the state’s reopening guidance for businesses.

In a joint statement, Washington Farm Bureau chief executive John Stuhlmiller and Washington Farm Labor Association (wafla) Executive Director Dan Fazio said the following:

“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.”

According to the statement, farmers across the state have been leading a comprehensive worker safety program focused on widespread testing and vaccination of workers living in licensed housing facilities. Due to this, the CDC has recognized that farmworkers living in licensed housing facilities in Washington state are three times safer than workers living in local communities.

Nearly 100 percent of the workers living in these facilities have been tested and vaccinated.

“We’re pleased state regulators recognized this by following the science in reversing their decision and are lifting these economically devastating restrictions,” both Stuhlmiller and Fazio went on to say. “While we appreciate the progress being made against the COVID pandemic, we understand the battle is not over and are committed to continue taking all steps necessary to protect the health and well-being of farm workers.”

We’ll continue to report on the latest issues growers are facing as we get back on a path to recovery, so stay tuned.