The Haldimand-Norfolk Board of Health issued the following statement today, regarding the Medical Officer of Health’s section 22 order covering the self-isolation of migrant workers:
The members of the Haldimand-Norfolk Board of Health recognize that the area’s agricultural industry is critical to producing locally-grown, fresh fruits and vegetables for the people of Ontario and Canada.
We also recognize that local farmers have expressed concern about the Medical Officer of Health’s section 22 public health order, which limits the number of migrant workers able to self-isolate in a single residence.
We wish to publicly acknowledge these concerns, and re-iterate to the farming community that we take them very seriously.
There is, however, no ability for the Board of Health to overrule or change section 22 orders issued by the Medical Officer of Health, who operates independently of the Board.
We look forward to our continued dialogue with the Medical Officer of Health and Health Unit staff, and thank all members of the community for contacting us with their concerns.
