Extreme Heat and COVID-19: A Dual Burden for Farmworkers.

Currently, there is an extensive literature examining heat impacts on labor productivity and health, as well as a recent surge in research around COVID-19. However, to our knowledge, no research to date examines the dual burden of COVID-19 and extreme heat on labor productivity and laborers' health and livelihoods. To close this research gap and shed light on a critical health and livelihood issue affecting a vulnerable population, we urge researchers to study the two topics in tandem. Because farmworkers have a high incidence of COVID-19 infections and a low rate of inoculation, they will be among those who suffer most from this dual burden. In this article, we discuss impacts from extreme heat and COVID-19 on farm laborers. We provide examples from the literature and a conceptual framework showing the bi-directional nature of heat impacts on COVID-19 and vice versa. We conclude with questions for further research and with specific policy recommendations to alleviate this dual burden. If implemented, these policies would enhance the wellbeing of farmworkers through improved unemployment benefits, updated regulations, and consistent implementation of outdoor labor regulations. Additionally, policies for farmworker-related health needs and cultural aspects of policy implementation and farmworker outreach are needed. These and related policies could potentially reduce the dual burden of COVID-19 and extreme heat impacts while future research explores their relative cost-effectiveness.

Shifts in Self-Reported Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Play Among Lower-Socioeconomic Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: The lack of in-person schooling and participation in structured recreation activities during the COVID-19 pandemic may have altered children's movement behaviors. This study assessed changes in children's self-reported in school and out of school physical activity, sedentary behavior, and play before and during the pandemic. DESIGN: A repeated cross-sectional online survey was administered in February 2020 (pre-pandemic, in-person) and 2021 (during pandemic, remote). SETTING: Children attended an urban public school district in Phoenix (AZ) serving a low-income population. SUBJECTS: Students in grades 4-8 completed the survey in 2020 (n = 253, 62% response rate) and 2021 (n = 261, 77% response rate). MEASURES: The survey included items from the Youth Activity Profile and three additional questions about play. ANALYSIS: Differences in mean scores and mean scores by gender were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVAs. RESULTS: Students reported less physical activity during remote recess in 2021 (M = 3.42, SD = .80 v. M = 2.99, SD = .86, p < .05). Physical activity outside of school decreased during the pandemic (M = 2.76, SD = 1.26 v. M = 2.53, SD = 1.18, p < .05). Most students (55%) reported playing less during the pandemic, but playing in new ways (67%). CONCLUSION: Children may benefit from interventions to counter reduced movement experienced during the pandemic, particularly in under-resourced areas.

Environmental Health Threats to Latino Migrant Farmworkers.

Approximately 75% of farmworkers in the United States are Latino migrants, and about 50% of hired farmworkers do not have authorization to work in the United States. Farmworkers face numerous chemical, physical, and biological threats to their health. The adverse effects of these hazards may be amplified among Latino migrant farmworkers, who are concurrently exposed to various psychosocial stressors. Factors such as documentation status, potential lack of authorization to work in the United States, and language and cultural barriers may also prevent Latino migrants from accessing federal aid, legal assistance, and health programs. These environmental, occupational, and social hazards may further exacerbate existing health disparities among US Latinos. This population is also likely to be disproportionately impacted by emerging threats, including climate change and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Latino migrant farmworkers are essential to agriculture in the United States, and actions are needed to protect this vulnerable population.