Haileyesus Getahun and colleagues report the development of a simple, standardized tuberculosis (TB) screening rule for resource-constrained settings, to identify people living with HIV who need further investigation for TB disease.
Background
In response to reported COVID-19 outbreaks among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) in other U.S. cities, we conducted multiple, proactive, facility-wide testing events for PEH living sheltered and unsheltered and homelessness service staff in Atlanta, Georgia. We describe SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and associated symptoms and review shelter infection prevention and control (IPC) policies
Methods
PEH and staff were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) during April 7–May 6, 2020. A subset of PEH and staff was screened for symptoms. Shelter assessments were conducted concurrently at a convenience sample of shelters using a standardized questionnaire
Results
Overall, 2,875 individuals at 24 shelters and nine unsheltered outreach events underwent SARS-CoV-2 testing and 2,860 (99.5%) had conclusive test results. SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was 2.1% (36/1,684) among PEH living sheltered, 0.5% (3/628) among PEH living unsheltered, and 1.3% (7/548) among staff. Reporting fever, cough, or shortness of breath in the last week during symptom screening was 14% sensitive and 89% specific for identifying COVID-19 cases compared with RT-PCR. Prevalence by shelter ranged 0%–27.6%. Repeat testing 3–4 weeks later at four shelters documented decreased SARS-CoV-2 prevalence (0%–3.9%). Nine of 24 shelters completed shelter assessments and implemented IPC measures as part of the COVID-19 response
Conclusions
PEH living in shelters experienced higher SARS-CoV-2 prevalence compared with PEH living unsheltered. Facility-wide testing in congregate settings allowed for identification and isolation of COVID-19 cases and is an important strategy to interrupt SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Traditional symptom screening is insufficient for detecting TB disease among HIV-infected persons but may serve to exclude TB disease. More sensitive, rapid, and low-cost diagnostic tests are needed to meet the demand of resource-limited settings.
Background/Objective
Recommendations for infection prevention and control (IPC) of COVID‐19 in long‐term care settings were developed based on limited understanding of COVID‐19 and should be evaluated to determine their efficacy in reducing transmission among high‐risk populations.
Design and Setting
Site visits to 24 long‐term care facilities (LTCFs) in Fulton County, Georgia, were conducted between June and July 2020 to assess adherence to current guidelines, provide real‐time feedback on potential weaknesses, and identify specific indicators whose implementation or lack thereof was associated with higher or lower prevalence of COVID‐19.
Participants
Twenty‐four LTCFs were visited, representing 2,580 LTCF residents, among whom 1,004 (39%) were infected with COVID‐19.
Measurements
Overall IPC adherence in LTCFs was analyzed for 33 key indicators across five categories: Hand Hygiene, Disinfection, Social Distancing, PPE, and Symptom Screening. Facilities were divided into Higher‐ and Lower‐prevalence groups based on cumulative COVID‐19 infection prevalence to determine differences in IPC implementation.
Results
IPC implementation was lowest in the Disinfection category (32%) and highest in the Symptom Screening category (74%). Significant differences in IPC implementation between the Higher‐ and Lower‐prevalence groups were observed in the Social Distancing category (Higher‐prevalence group 54% vs Lower‐prevalence group 74%, P < .01) and the PPE category (Higher‐prevalence group 41% vs Lower‐prevalence group 72%, P < .01).
Conclusion
LTCFs with lower COVID‐19 prevalence among residents had significantly greater implementation of IPC recommendations compared to those with higher COVID‐19 prevalence, suggesting the utility in adhering to current guidelines to reduce transmission in this vulnerable population.
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