Pandemic Planning in Homeless Shelters: A Pilot Study of a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Testing and Support Program to Mitigate the Risk of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Congregate Settings.

O'Shea, Timothy; Bodkin, Claire; Mokashi, Vaibhav; Beal, Kerry; Wiwcharuk, Jill; Lennox, Robin; Guenter, Dale; Smieja, Marek et al. · Clin Infect Dis · 2021

case_series · Level IV

Where this comes from

Abstract

We tested 104 residents and 141 staff for coronavirus disease 2019 who failed daily symptom screening in homeless shelters in Hamilton, Canada. We detected 1 resident (1%), 7 staff (5%), and 1 case of secondary spread. Shelter restructuring to allow physical distancing, testing, and isolation can decrease outbreaks in shelters.

Medical subject headings