Western Growers has received numerous updates about the COVID-19 and the vaccine. Below is a compilation of all the resources that apply to WG members:

• Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its “Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines,” with information regarding authorized use, side effects, government mandates and more. Click here to access “Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines.”
• Changes to Travel Restrictions: The CDC has eased travel recommendations on ~110 countries. Click here to read the update.
• WHO, Food Safety and COVID: The World Health Organization has stepped up action to improve food safety and protect people from disease and has created a new handbook to help countries assess causes, magnitude and distribution of foodborne diseases. Click here to learn more.
• EEOC Provides Additional Information on Vaccinations: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission expanded its vaccination information for employers (on what can be asked and incentivized). Click here to read the full notice.

According to the EEOC, “key updates to the technical assistance are summarized below:

• Federal EEO laws do not prevent an employer from requiring all employees physically entering the workplace to be vaccinated for COVID-19, so long as employers comply with the reasonable accommodation provisions of the ADA and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other EEO considerations.  Other laws, not in EEOC’s jurisdiction, may place additional restrictions on employers.  From an EEO perspective, employers should keep in mind that because some individuals or demographic groups may face greater barriers to receiving a COVID-19 vaccination than others, some employees may be more likely to be negatively impacted by a vaccination requirement.
• Federal EEO laws do not prevent or limit employers from offering incentives to employees to voluntarily provide documentation or other confirmation of vaccination obtained from a third party (not the employer) in the community, such as a pharmacy, personal health care provider, or public clinic. If employers choose to obtain vaccination information from their employees, employers must keep vaccination information confidential pursuant to the ADA.
• Employers that are administering vaccines to their employees may offer incentives for employees to be vaccinated, as long as the incentives are not coercive. Because vaccinations require employees to answer pre-vaccination disability-related screening questions, a very large incentive could make employees feel pressured to disclose protected medical information.
• Employers may provide employees and their family members with information to educate them about COVID-19 vaccines and raise awareness about the benefits of vaccination. The technical assistance highlights federal government resources available to those seeking more information about how to get vaccinated.”

For additional updates, visit the COVID-19 Resources Page or COVID-19 Vaccination Updates Page. The COVID-19 Resources Page offers the most up-to-date, relevant COVID-19 guidance and resources for your agricultural operations. The COVID-19 Vaccination Updates Page provides updates, resources and critical links to assist WG members with questions or navigation of the vaccination processes.