Calexico Border Patrol agents apprehend coronavirus-infected migrant
Indian national first person in CBP custody to test positive for virus
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KYMA, KECY) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection says agents last week apprehended a migrant with coronavirus near Calexico. CBP says it's the first time someone in its custody has tested positive for the illness.
CBP says an agent encountered four men last Thursday along the border. Three were Mexican nationals. A fourth was an Indian national.
The agent took the Mexican migrants back across the border, under the new "rapid return" protocol. He took the Indian national to a Border Patrol facility for processing.
CBP says the man began exhibiting flu-like symptoms during processing. Agents got the man medical attention, and doctors confirmed he was positive for coronavirus. Border Patrol has transferred him to ICE custody for treatment.
CBP says it is currently investigating the migrant's contact history. It also says it's taking stringent measures to protect its agents from the virus. The agency issued the following statement to us regarding the handling of coronavirus exposure:
"All employees at facilities where an exposure has occurred are notified at the earliest opportunity. Employees who have been in direct contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 are provided with guidance based on the specific risks associated with the exposure. We have also issued cleaning guidelines to all CBP facilities specifically to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
USCBP - San Diego Sector
CBP says it provides its personnel with a variety of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including gloves and N95 respirators, and it instructs them on the correct use of such equipment. In addition, all employees have access to a resource portal with important health and safety information. The portal also provides risk exposure guidance, and updates on the evolving pandemic.
CBP closes its statement by saying:
"Nothing is more important than the safety of our workforce and the American people. CBP will continue to take every necessary precaution in order to keep our employees, their families and the American people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic."
USCBP - San Diego Sector
