Abstract

RODRIGUEZ-GARCIA-DE-CORTAZAR, Ainhoa; LERALTA-PINAN, Olga; JIMENEZ-PERNETT, Jaime  and  RUIZ-AZAROLA, Ainhoa. COVID-19 on migrants and ethnic minorities. Gac Sanit [online]. 2021, vol.35, n.5, pp.499-501.  Epub Jan 24, 2022. ISSN 0213-9111.  https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gaceta.2020.06.002.

There are still few publications that analyse the effects on migrants or ethnic minorities of COVID-19 or of measures taken to curb this pandemic, although early studies point to a greater impact on black, asian and ethnic minority populations in the UK or on migrants in Mexico. In addition to barriers to access to information and health services, we consider it a priority to focus on their living conditions, particularly those in situations of vulnerability or social exclusion. People who are unemployed or with precarious jobs, without social benefits, in overcrowded conditions, may be more at risk of infection and not receiving adequate treatment. Confinement has predictably more negative impact on migrants in irregular administrative situations, victims of gender-based violence and those unable to comply with physical estrangement measures, such as refugees in camps or migrants under-living and settlements, without adequate hygienic conditions. Recommendations such as suspending deportations, extending or facilitating residence and work permits, closing detention centres for foreign persons, evacuating those in prisons and refugee camps or settlements have been applied unequally in different countries. Only a strong political commitment to global health equity can ensure the health of migrant populations and ethnic minorities, as well as their access to protection measures, information, medical testing and health services.

Keywords : Migrants; COVID-19; Minority Groups; Vulnerable Populations; Social Determinants of Health.

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