Migrant Protection Program/Entry Without Inspection COVID-19 Response Team

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

In March 2021, the County of San Diego (County) Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch (EISB) developed a specialized team to investigate COVID-19 cases in migrant individuals isolating and quarantining in the county. The Migrant Protection Protocol/Entry Without Inspection (MPP/EWI) team is comprised of linguistically skilled and culturally competent investigators who conduct COVID-19 case investigations for individuals who enter the U.S. as migrants/asylum seekers and test positive for COVID-19. MPP/EWI case investigators utilize a trauma-informed and cultural lens to successfully complete interviews and educate people about COVID-19. The team collaborates with federal, State, and local governments and coordinates with agencies within the county that provide free temporary lodging and other resources to migrant individuals. MPP/EWI investigators serve as direct liaisons to the State and County temporary lodging programs. This allows for an efficient, trusted, and secure method of communication related to lodging; case interview; and the social, emotional, and physical health of cases in lodging. Since the MPP/EWI team began its work, team members have completed over 3,000 case investigations. The comprehensive and compassionate case interviews completed by the team with migrant individuals in temporary lodging helps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in San Diego County and protect lives.