Champlain Orchards reopens, citing 'love and support'

(Gareth Henderson Photo)

A well-known Vermont orchard business has reopened to the public after an outbreak of COVID-19 among guest workers caused it to halt operations.

Champlain Orchards in Shoreham reopened Saturday after it had to suddenly shut down on Oct. 2, according to the Addison County Independent. A total of 28 workers, who came to Vermont from Jamaica on H-2A visas last month, ended up testing positive for the coronavirus. State health officials partnered with the orchard owners to make sure the workers had what they needed while additional health measures were put in place to address the outbreak. There is now no risk to the public, state officials said.

"It’s been quite a week here at Champlain Orchards, but we’ve all persevered thanks to the love and support we’ve received from you," orchard officials wrote in an email to customers on Saturday, which was quoted in the Independent. "Our staff has completed our third round of testing and we are relieved to report that no additional positive tests have occurred."  

During the ordeal, the impacted workers received great support from the local community. In a Friday press conference, Health Commissioner Mark Levine noted community members had responded generously with food and donations.

"They're essential to our economy and important members of our communities," Levine said of the guest workers. "Some of the H-2A workers employed at Champlain Orchards have actually worked in Vermont for decades."   

Throughout the past several months, Vermonters have time and again shown compassionate support for their neighbors in need. This situation in Shoreham was another such example, and it should inspire us all to look out for each other. In this day and age, that kind of support is greatly needed, and it will allow our communities to persevere through current challenges with lasting strength and grace. 

— Gareth Henderson