On Thursday, March 14, the Northeast Colorado Health Department Board of Health held a special meeting to approve the signing of a new Public Health Order by Public Health Director Trish McClain. This PHO sets forth some requirements and guidance for entities that may temporarily shelter migrant persons within the NCHD health district and restates the duties of the Northeast Colorado Health Department in overseeing public health.

Given that migrant communities, including asylum seekers, and especially children, are a particularly vulnerable population, concerns for their safety and protection when it comes to issues such as housing, food safety and emergency preparedness are of utmost importance. This PHO outlines how best to protect and maintain the health of resident communities as well as ensuring any migrant persons that are relocated to this region are able to access any needed resources with the assistance of the entity that helped them to relocate.

Requirements laid out in the Public Health Order include that Program Operators (those entities that may be locating migrant persons in the region) provide NCHD with plans that address the health and safety of migrant persons in the form of safe and appropriate housing, plans for medical response to emergencies and reporting of communicable diseases. Recommendations also include providing vaccinations against polio, measles, varicella, and COVID-19 when necessary, and following best practice guidance for refugee health screening. Given that resources in the northeast region are limited, it is the responsibility of the Program Operator to ensure the needs of the migrant persons in their care are met.

It is part of the authority of the Northeast Colorado Health Department to investigate and control the causes of communicable disease and conditions affecting public health for everyone. When there is a need for testing, isolation or quarantine, NCHD will make every effort to provide appropriate education and guidance to Program Operators in order for them to meet the obligations of the Order and will issue warnings prior to seeking legal enforcement.

This Public Health Order can be viewed at nchd.org.