Contact tracing is a public health program that helps slow the spread of infectious diseases, like COVID-19 (coronavirus). Because COVID-19 is very contagious, many states have implemented contact tracing programs to protect communities from the virus. California launched California Connected, its contact tracing program, in May 2020. This resource, which describes the California Connected program in Q&A format, highlights issues of interest to the immigrant community, including the language competency of contact tracers, the confidentiality of shared personal information, and public charge considerations.
El rastreo de contactos es un programa de salud pública que ayuda a disminuir la propagación de enfermedades contagiosas, como el COVID-19 (coronavirus). Debido a que el COVID-19 es muy contagioso, muchos estados han implementado programas de rastreo de contactos para proteger a las comunidades de la enfermedad. California inició California Conectado (California Connected), su programa de rastreo de contactos, en mayo de 2020. Este recurso, que describe el programa California Conectado en formato de preguntas y respuestas, resalta cuestiones de interés para la comunidad inmigrante, incluida la competencia lingüística de los rastreadores de contactos, la confidencialidad de la información personal compartida, y las consideraciones de carga pública.
On December 23, 2022, a new rule on public charge went into effect. The new rule essentially codifies longstanding guidance, with some added details and protections, strengthening the public charge policy that we have had for more than two decades. For more information, see here.