Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that farmworkers will not not be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, after visiting the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

Despite being covered by the federal vaccine initiative, the state failed to include them on the list. Considering they’re among the most vulnerable workforces in the country, this is nothing short of a disgrace.

“He still refuses to protect farm workers,” said David Fisher, President of the New York Farm Bureau, “by including them in the ongoing rollout of phase 1b.”

Considering the fact that farm workers are essential workers, it is strange that this happened.

The age requirement went from 75 to 65, despite not having enough doses. The Center for Disease Control put farmworkers second on the list for the vaccine after frontline workers. The local clinics that farmers trust are ready and waiting to be part of the state supply list.

The distribution can be difficult. Lack of internet access, transportation and English proficiency among the farm workers makes it hard for the workers to get the vaccine.

The longer the administration of the vaccine is delayed, the more cases there will be without a remedy.

There is no set time when farm workers will be part of rollout phase 1b.