Latest COVID-19 updates from Produce Marketing Association’s Max Teplitski
Produce Market Association (PMA) Chief Science Officer Max Teplitski released the following COVID-19 updates on April 21:
“As COVID-19 situation shifts daily, we want to make sure you had information that is relevant. Below is information on reactions to the CDC and White House reopening plans and recent guidelines, and a call for proposals to help combat COVID-19.
This week’s Virtual Town Hall will focus on e-commerce, the pressures created by the current environment, and how e-commerce learnings can be applied to help meet changing consumer needs across the supply chain. You can register for next week’s town hall now.
Government recommendations to reopen country
The CDC and White House recently released documents on reopening the country. Our analysis of the CDC’s Get and Keep America Open: Supporting states, tribes, localities, and territories and the White House guidance for Phase 1 of the re-opening indicates that the regulatory guidelines currently posted on the PMA website continue to be applicable during Phase 1 of the reopening.
Summary of key concepts:
- Minimize the chance of exposure. Minimize person-to-person transmission, avoid gatherings of people and practice social distancing to reduce the chances of exposure to the virus.
- Promote the use of everyday preventive actions. Practice hand hygiene, stay home when sick, and cover coughs and sneezes.
- Protect high-risk populations. Take steps to protect older adults, people with underlying health conditions, and people who work in healthcare or other critical infrastructure jobs.
USDA RFP to combat COVID-19
USDA NIFA Small Business Innovation Research Program announced request for proposals to develop innovative technologies to combat COVID-19 in the areas of Food Science and Nutrition, Rural Community and Development and Small and Mid-Size farms. $100,000 are available through Phase 1. Application deadline is May 21, 2020.
CDC Guidelines: Controlling the spread of COVID-19 among those living in close quarters
To continue to protect front-line employees and agricultural laborers, CDC-issued updated guidelines on minimizing the person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 living in close quarters. The document highlights the need to limit running errands, always wear face coverings, maintaining distances of at least 6 feet and avoiding touching one’s face. It is important not to share rides with members of other households. Vulnerable members of the household should not be caring for children. It is critical to immediately isolate those who have COVID-19 symptoms. These updated guidelines are in line with the guidance documents that PMA already developed and posted on PMA.com
Calls to the U.S. Poison Center have increased sharply
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, CDC reports an increase in calls to the US Poison Control Center over improper use of disinfectants and other household chemicals. Please follow CDC advice to control the spread of COVID-19 and do it safely!
Correcting misconceptions about food and COVID-19
Last week we continued to reach out to news outlets to correct misconceptions about produce safety during the COVID pandemic and to offer advice to consumers on how to properly store their fresh fruits and vegetables. Results of this outreach could be found here, and could be shared with your customers:
- Savannah Now, The Herald Tribune and Athens Banner Herald “Experts: Fresh produce is safe, but wash it thoroughly, as usual”
- All Recipes: Is “Cool as a Cucumber” Storage Advice?
Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have further questions or require information in alternative formats. As always if you would like to add others in your organization to our contact list, please let Cyndi Neal know.
I hope that you are staying safe and in good spirits.”
