SARS-CoV-2 surface contamination in metro-Atlanta grocery stores.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated continued operation of essential businesses like grocery stores.
• While respiratory droplets are the primary SARS-CoV-2 transmission route, surface contamination is a potential concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on frequently touched surfaces in grocery stores.
• To assess the potential risk of surface-mediated transmission in these essential retail environments.

Main Methods:

• Swab samples were collected from various high-touch surfaces in two Atlanta grocery stores in March 2021.
• Samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Main Results:

• Overall, 2.3% (6/260) of collected surface samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
• Positive samples were most frequent in pharmacy areas (12.0%), followed by self-service food courts (5.0%) and refrigerator/freezer aisles (2.5%).
• Undersides of surfaces and edges of tables/counters accounted for 33% of positive findings.

Conclusions:

• The data suggest a low risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure from frequently touched grocery store surfaces.
• Enhanced cleaning protocols for pharmacy and self-service food court surfaces may be advisable to mitigate potential transmission.