Leaders in the region are calling on farm operators to do more to help Windsor Essex move on to Stage 2 of the province's plan to reopen the economy.
Premier Doug Ford announced Monday that Windsor-Essex would be the only region to remain in Stage 1 in the province as the COVID-19 pandemic continues in Ontario.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens voiced disappointment and frustration following the announcement.
"At this time our local agricultural powerhouse is holding the rest of Windsor-Essex back from reopening our economy and it's not right. While the local health unit has so far refused to test the full temporary foreign worker population, this next week presents an opportunity for our local agricultural community to step in where public health officials have failed," said Dilkens.
On Monday, 31 out of 32 new cases of COVID-19 were linked to the agri-farm sector. In the last 30 days, 82 per cent of cases were located in Kingsville in Leamington.
Dilkens said its time to make testing mandatory.
"We can't hold someone down and shove a swab up their nose to test them but the province or the federal government can step in and say you cannot work on one of these farms unless you can prove you've had a test and you're COVID negative," said Dilkens.
Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald is also calling on farm operators to have their employees tested.
"I join the premier and my local community leaders in strongly urging the farm operators to take responsibility and encourage testing for all of their employees. This is absolutely necessary for the health and safety of the agri-food workers and the community," said MacDonald.
In a news release issued Friday, the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers said their members have been implementing public health measures and encouraging employees to be tested.
“We appreciate the thoughtfulness and foresight of our municipal leaders who have agreed to work together to address this complex issue that has a devastating impact on so many,” said General Manager Joe Sbrocchi. “We are committed to the health and safety of all agri-food workers and will continue to make all efforts to ensure they are protected.”
The region will be reassessed over the next week and the province will decide next Monday if the region can progress to Stage 2 on Friday, July 3.