Getting Critical Information During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Spanish and Chinese Speakers With Limited English Proficiency

Nearly one-tenth of the U.S. population over age 5 has limited English proficiency (LEP). During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with LEP suffered from disproportionate negative health outcomes, including severe illness and death, compared with those without LEP. To address this gap and provide inputs for communication strategies, a study was completed based on two novel and nationally representative surveys conducted between June and August 2020 among Spanish and Chinese speakers with limited English proficiency. The surveys were designed and analyzed as part of a collaboration that included the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC).