Considerations for COVID-19 management in reception centers for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, Spain 2020

Abstract

Shortly after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world were urged to leave no population behind. Following a COVID-19 risk evaluation in a refugee and asylum seekers reception center, in September 2020, we considered the priorities of managing COVID-19 in these settings. We encourage actions on the following four fronts to reduce the COVID-19-associated burden among these vulnerable populations based on our interviews, observations, and recommendations: (i) decongestion, (ii) facilitated testing, (iii) screening for symptoms, and (iv) targeted public health and risk communication.

Keywords: COVID-19; COVID-19 management; asylum seekers; migrant reception centers; migrants; refugees.