COVID-19 remote MERL guidance

As program teams limit the frequency, proximity, and quantity of face-to-face MEL activities they must account for new data quality risks associated with remote monitoring. This tipsheet is intended to help MEL teams think through and mitigate the spread and impact of COVID-19 as program approaches adapt to ensure teams have the information they need to continue to improve programming within changing operational contexts. Teams should note that remote MEL provides a partial picture of program progress and efforts should be made to validate findings with multiple sources. Please note that not all offices, particularly in remote areas will have the connectivity to implement much of this guidance. If it is not possible to switch to remote non-contact activities, data collection must be suspended. Contractors, data collection firms etc. must be notified and instructed to halt all interactions with participants.