COVID-19 in a New York City Behavioral Health Housing and Treatment System

This study sought to characterize the incidence of COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and death among congregate and noncongregate cohorts served by a New York City behavioral health agency.

From March 9 to May 3, 2020, data were collected on COVID-19 symptoms, testing, hospitalization, and mortality for 8,256 individuals living in 29 congregate programs (residences and homeless shelters) or served by 41 noncongregate programs (scattered-site housing or outpatient treatment programs).

Of the 218 (2.6%) individuals who developed COVID-19-like illness, 84 (39%) were able to obtain testing. Of the 77 individuals who tested positive, 49 (64%) were hospitalized and 19 (25%) died. Congregate housing, age over 45, and intellectual/developmental disabilities were significantly associated with hospitalization and death.

Further research on risk and preventive factors is needed to address the high risk for people with serious mental illnesses and intellectual/developmental disabilities during a pandemic, particularly for those living in congregate housing.