High-risk populations

Define high-risk populations who will receive prioritized testing. Governments should develop a working definition of which populations are high risk. Groups can be added to this list,but the list should identify populations that are at higher risk of contracting and having complications from COVID-19 due to physical health,behavioral health,or economic/social factors.

Partner with community and cultural leaders. Governments should conduct specific outreach and form partnerships with community and cultural leaders to 1) understand needs and concerns of specific communities and 2) amplify public health messaging encouraging surveillance,diagnostic,and screening testing.

Make testing free for low income or high-risk populations. Governments should reduce barriers to testing by making testing free for specific populations,ideally for screening or surveillance purposes.

Develop and use culturally and contextually relevant communication materials for testing resources. Governments and public health officials should make all communication materials targeted at high-risk or vulnerable populations accessible and culturally-relevant.

Rapidly conduct snapshot pooled testing among staff and residents in health and long-term care facilities,prisons,and other congregate housing facilities. Governments should conduct snapshot pooled testing to provide a baseline that will help establish subsequent testing strategies within these settings,including the frequency of testing.

Ensure adequate testing resources are available and accessible to high-risk communities. Governments should establish testing sites in communities with large numbers of high-risk individuals.

Reduce barriers to testing by conducting mobile testing units. To address transportation limitations,non-traditional work schedules,and lack of access that may keep some communities from getting tested,governments should strategically implement mobile testing units that travel to vulnerable communities.