Effect of Frequent SARS-CoV-2 Testing on Weekly Case Rates in Long-Term Care Facilities, Florida, USA

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are vulnerable to outbreaks of infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2.
• Effective strategies are needed to mitigate virus transmission in these high-risk settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 testing frequency on virus transmission in Florida LTCFs.
• To determine if increased testing can reduce the number of new cases.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 1,292,165 SARS-CoV-2 test results.
• Data collected from 361 long-term care facilities in Florida, USA.
• Statistical evaluation of the relationship between testing frequency and case reduction.

Main Results:

• A 1% increase in testing frequency correlated with a 0.08% decrease in SARS-CoV-2 cases.
• This reduction in cases was observed approximately three weeks after testing interventions began.
• The findings indicate a dose-response relationship between testing and case reduction.

Conclusions:

• Increased frequency of SARS-CoV-2 testing is a practical and effective strategy for reducing virus transmission in LTCFs.
• Implementing regular and frequent testing protocols can help control outbreaks in vulnerable populations within these facilities.