Seasonal Farm Workers in France Undergo COVID-19 Testing Amid Outbreak Concerns

Seasonal workers from Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain or Morocco went to the Covid-19 screening center. "We need to test so that we can all be serene, and that we can resume work normally," insists Mohammed Berhili, team leader in the Jardins du Trianon operation in St-Rémy-de-Provence. "During the confinement, we were the 2nd line, after the doctors. We fed the French. By testing us, they show us a bit of respect," he explains.

The elected officials of the surrounding municipalities, in concert with the prefecture and the ARS, organized a massive screening for the benefit of the farmers, after the discovery of 30 positive cases among the seasonal workers of Maillane and Noves, reports franceinfo. "This massive screening, it had to be done, and I thank the authorities for it. This will help clarify the situation with regard to what we have been hearing for 48 hours," says Laurent Deville, an operator in St-Remy-de-Provence, whose 50 employees are participating in this operation.

"Today, there are proven cases on the side of Maillane, so we have to reassure the population, reassure the employees who work on the farms, and also reassure the consumers," he says.

In total, between 1,000 and 2,000 tests will be carried out on seasonal workers in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, it is specified. People who test positive for Covid-19 will be placed on mandatory sick leave and quarantine.