What settings have been linked to SARS-CoV-2 transmission clusters?

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Societal and economic impacts of SARS-CoV-2 lockdowns necessitate careful exit strategies.
• Physical distancing measures are being lifted in various countries with differing approaches.
• Understanding transmission settings is key to preventing COVID-19 resurgence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify indoor and outdoor settings associated with SARS-CoV-2 transmission clusters.
• To inform public health policies for "exit strategies" from lockdown measures.
• To guide surveillance and potential closures of high-risk settings.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of scientific literature and media reports.
• Identification and curation of settings linked to SARS-CoV-2 transmission clusters.
• Data compiled in an editable online database.

Main Results:

• Numerous SARS-CoV-2 clusters were linked to various indoor settings.
• Households, hospitals, and elderly care facilities showed a high number of reported clusters.
• Schools reported fewer SARS-CoV-2 transmission clusters compared to other settings.

Conclusions:

• Specific indoor settings, including households and healthcare facilities, are associated with COVID-19 clusters.
• These high-risk settings may require continued monitoring or closure during phased lockdown easing.
• Data limitations, including recall bias and reporting biases, affect the comprehensive understanding of cluster dynamics.