Presymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections and Transmission in a Skilled Nursing Facility
This study should be shared as it provides important insight into the role of presymtomatic carries of COVID-19 and implications for future testing and infection control strategies. Please take time to read and review with your staff.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2008457?af=R&rss=currentIssue
Key Messages:
* “Infection-control strategies focused solely on symptomatic residents were not sufficient to prevent transmission after SARS-CoV-2 introduction into this facility.”
* “Symptom-based infection-control strategies were not sufficient to prevent transmission after the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into this skilled nursing facility.”
* “Residents and staff members with undetected SARS-CoV-2 infection are likely to have contributed to transmission through interactions between and among residents and staff.|
* “The data presented here suggest that sole reliance on symptom-based strategies may not be effective to prevent introduction of SARS-CoV-2 and further transmission in skilled nursing facilities.”
J. David Weidner, MPH, REHS, MEP, CEM, CHEP
Director, Emergency Management