COVID-19 Pandemic Response in a Migrant Farmworker Community: Excess Mortality, Testing Access and Contact Tracing in Immokalee, Florida

Limaye, N.; Ninesling, B.; Marcelin, F.; Nolan, C.; Sobba, W.; Hing, M.; Ptaszek, E.; Leandre, F.; Palazuelos, D.

Introduction: We aim to estimate the impact of COVID-19 in Immokalee, FL and assess community experiences with workplace conditions, access to testing, sources of information, and contact tracing to inform and strengthen local public health sector efforts in reaching and providing high-quality care to the community. Methods: We conducted a descriptive analysis of data on COVID-19 deaths for Collier County from May-August 2020. We surveyed a cross-sectional, randomized representative sample of 318 adults living in Immokalee from March-November 2020 to assess socio-demographics, sources of information, ability to follow guidelines, and experiences with local programs. Results were compared across language groups. Results: Average excess mortality in Collier County was 108%. The majority surveyed in Immokalee had socio-demographic factors associated with higher COVID risk. Non-English speakers had higher workplace risk due to less ability to work from home. Haitian Creole speakers were less likely to be tested, though all participants were willing to get symptomatic testing and quarantine. Those participants who tested positive or had COVID-19 exposures had low engagement with the contact tracing program, and Spanish-speakers reported lower quality of contact tracing than English speakers. Conclusions: The community of Immokalee, FL is a vulnerable population that suffered disproportionate deaths from COVID-19. This study reveals language inequities in COVID testing and contact tracing should be targeted in future pandemic response in Immokalee and other migrant farmworker communities