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Multicomponent Strategies to Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Transmission - Nine Overnight Youth Summer Camps, United States,
Abstract:
Most U.S. overnight youth camps did not operate during the summer of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic* (1). Several that did operate demonstrated that multiple prevention strategies, including pre- and postarrival testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, masking, and physical distancing helped prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19; in contrast, camps that relaxed prevention strategies, such as requiring a single prearrival test without subsequent testing, experienced outbreaks (2-4). The availability of COVID-19 vaccines for persons aged ≥12 years enabled implementation of an additional prevention strategy that was not available in summer 2020. This study assessed the number of COVID-19 cases and potential secondary spread among 7,173 staff members and campers from 50 states, 13 countries, and U.S. military overseas bases at nine independently operated U.S. summer youth camps affiliated with the same organization. The camps implemented multiple prevention strategies including vaccination, testing, podding (cohorting), masking, physical distancing, and hand hygiene during June-August 2021. Vaccination coverage was 93% among eligible persons aged ≥12 years.† All staff members (1,955) and campers (5,218) received site-specific, protocol-defined screening testing, which included prearrival testing and screening tests during the camp session (38,059 tests). Screening testing identified six confirmed COVID-19 cases (one in a staff member and five in campers) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing (screening test positivity rate = 0.02%). Three additional cases (in two staff members and one camper) were identified based on symptoms and were confirmed by RT-PCR testing. Testing for SARS-CoV-2, isolation, and quarantine in a population with high vaccination coverage resulted in no known secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 identified during camp. Implementation of multicomponent strategies is critical for prevention of COVID-19 outbreaks in congregate settings, including overnight youth camps.
Insights
Overnight youth camps successfully prevented COVID-19 spread in summer 2021 by using vaccination, testing, and other prevention strategies. High vaccination coverage and multicomponent strategies were key to avoiding outbreaks in these congregate settings.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- COVID-19 pandemic disrupted U.S. youth camps in 2020.
- Camps operating in 2020 with multiple prevention strategies (testing, masking, distancing) saw less COVID-19 spread.
- Vaccines became available for those aged 12+ in 2021, offering a new prevention layer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess COVID-19 cases and spread in U.S. youth camps during summer 2021.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of multicomponent prevention strategies including vaccination.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 7,173 participants across nine U.S. youth camps (June-August 2021).
- Camps implemented vaccination, screening testing (prearrival and during camp), podding, masking, distancing, and hand hygiene.
- Vaccination coverage was 93% for eligible individuals (aged ≥12 years).
Main Results:
- A total of 38,059 screening tests were conducted.
- Six COVID-19 cases were identified via screening tests (0.02% positivity rate).
- Three additional symptomatic cases were confirmed; no known secondary SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurred among attendees.
Conclusions:
- Multicomponent strategies, including high vaccination coverage, effectively prevented COVID-19 outbreaks in youth camps.
- These findings highlight the importance of layered prevention in congregate settings.
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