Water, Power Crews Stay in Trailers, Live at Work During Virus

A large California water and power district is sequestering crews for weeks at a time to ensure farmland is irrigated and lights stay on as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread.

The Imperial Irrigation District, which serves low-income areas where high temperatures aren’t uncommon, began its second round of three-week shifts for workers May 16. Between 28 and 32 employees have volunteered to live at their work sites during both rounds.

Those 500 hours of life inside the gates include 12-hour work days, sleeping in trailers on the grounds, delivered meals, and multiple temperature checks.

“By the fifth day, we ...