By Norma Galeana
THERMAL, Calif. (Reuters) – For the agricultural staff of California’s Coachella Valley, it’s brutally simple: no paintings means no food. But the worry of getting COVID-19 and spreading it among their families has created uncertainty and anxiety.
In an effort to allay his fears, Dr. Raúl Ruiz, a congressman representing California’s District 36, has partnered with Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine to establish emerging sites on the grounds.
Coachella Valley is located in Riverside County, which has the highest number of coronavirus cases in the state, nearly 45,000, and 879 deaths.
Most farmers don’t have insurance and want protection, Ruiz said, a son from a farm who became a doctor.
“So that we can end this pandemic, we want the most at risk. Today, as can be seen in the network of agricultural workers, with devastating rates of contagion and death. Array.. this is not done,” Ruiz. told Reuters on Thursday.
“We want the most vulnerable populations, those who are disproportionately inflamed and die from this disease,” he said.
Maria Palomares, 33, receiving a COVID-19 check at the pop-up site, said her father and colleagues lacked the resources and wisdom for themselves.
“It’s just tragic for the most part, ” said Palomares. “Some of them don’t have fitness insurance and all those other resources to stay in shape.”
“For our own safety, we have a circle of family and young Array … That’s why Array … They’re checking me right now to make sure I’m healthy,” said Palomares, who ordered to take the COVID-19 check and return to the paintings if their result was negative.
For Jorge Sánchez, 37, who has worked in the Coachella Valley for 17 years, are limited.
“It is this need that drives us to move to painting. We have to move on to the painting and we can’t take care of ourselves, if we don’t paint, we don’t eat,” Sanchez said.
(Report through Norma Galeana; written through Diane Craft; edited through Rosalba O’Brien)