UF/IFAS, FDACS seek help in spreading the word on COVID-19 testing to Florida agricultural workers

(UF/IFAS) — The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension (UF/IFAS) and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) encourage as many agricultural workers as possible to be tested for COVID-19.

Farmworkers will have access to numerous no-cost COVID-19 testing events in some of Florida’s top agricultural counties. Below is a list of upcoming sites. Support for these tests is provided in part by FDACS, FDEM and county governments. Testing services will continue as funding, demand and availability allow.

Click on the following link to hear and download the PSA: Spanish-Language Radio PSA. Covid19 remains a great threat in our communities and in these times of uncertainty, keeping our families healthy is important.

FDACS Commissioner Nikki Fried announced the testing partnership’s launch on October 1. Earlier this year, Fried recommended to the governor that farmworkers be provided with COVID-19 testing to help reduce the virus’ spread among workers and in the community.

Here are the times, dates, and addresses of the places to get tested:

Hendry County

Barron Library – 461 N. Main St., LaBelle

Date: November 9

Times: 9 a.m. to noon

Hendry County Health Dept. – 1100 S. Olympia, Clewiston

Date: November 9

Times: 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m

Hillsborough County

San Jose Mission (migrant labor camp), 13524 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, Dover

Dates:?Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
Times:?5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Wednesdays and Thursdays), 10 a.m. to noon (Saturdays)

Miami-Dade County

Centro Campesino, 35801 SW 186^th Ave., Homestead

Dates: November 14 and 21, and December 5
Times:?10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

St. Lucie County

St. Lucie County Fairgrounds – 15601 Midway Road, Fort Pierce

Dates: November 17,18, 19

Times:? 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Note: Agricultural workers will receive a grocery gift.)

Collier County

3339 East Tamiami Trail, Naples

Dates: Monday – Friday – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Please call 239-252-6220.

Winn Dixie Mall, Immokalee.

Monday to Friday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please call 239-252-6220.

Testing at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon: 15000 Livingston Road, Naples.

Dates: Wednesdays and Fridays

Times: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

UPDATE: Additional County Farmworker COVID-19 Testing Availability

(FDACS) — Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are announcing additional COVID-19 testing sites in Miami-Dade, Hendry, and St. Lucie County for farmworkers as the fall harvest season begins. The ongoing efforts to provide access to testing for farmworkers is part of a partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), and local county governments.

“As the pandemic continues, we’re continuing our work to provide farmworkers with access to COVID-19 testing,” stated Commissioner Nikki Fried. “FDACS is proud to partner with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, UF/IFAS, and local governments to provide COVID-19 testing and resources to protect farmworkers and our state’s food supply. We’re also appreciative of the important work that county governments, like Collier County, are engaging in to protect agricultural workers in their community.”

Background: Farmworkers will have access to numerous no-cost COVID-19 testing events in some of Florida’s top agricultural counties. Support for these tests is provided in part by FDACS, FDEM, and county governments. Testing services will continue as funding, demand, and availability allow. Commissioner Fried announced the testing partnership’s launch on October 1. Earlier this year, Fried recommended to the Governor that farmworkers be provided with COVID-19 testing to help reduce the virus’ spread among workers and in the community.

The full report “Recommendations to the Re-Open Florida Task Force from Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried” may be downloaded here.

Additional Testing Sites:

St. Lucie County — Fort Pierce

Dates: November 17-19

Times: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Location: St. Lucie County Fairgrounds, 15601 W. Midway Rd., Fort Pierce, FL 34945

Questions: (772) 462-1660

Flyer: Available for download here

Hendry County — Clewiston

Dates: November 9

Times: 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Location: Hendry County Health Department, 1100 South Olympia Ave., Clewiston, FL 33440

Flyer: Available for download here

Hendry County — LaBelle

Dates: November 9

Times: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location: Barron Library, 461 N. Main St., LaBelle, FL 33935

Flyer: Available for download here

Hendry County — Moore Haven

Dates: November 10

Times: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Location: 998 US 27, Moore Haven, FL 33471

Flyer: Available for download here

Miami-Dade County — Homestead

Dates: November 14 and 21, December 5

Times: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Location: Centro Campesino, 35801 SW 186th Ave., Homestead, FL 33034

Questions: (786) 746-7887

Flyer: Available for download here

Collier County Operated Testing Sites: Collier County is operating five testing sites and has been offering testing for farmworkers throughout the pandemic. FDACS has remained in communication with Collier County in the event of increased needs and stands ready to help provide additional resources.