Mass SARS-CoV-2 testing in US correctional facilities during the pandemic: a longitudinal analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Correctional Healthcare

Background:

• Limited real-world data exists on the effectiveness of mass screening for SARS-CoV-2 in correctional facilities.
• The Connecticut Department of Correction (CTDOC) utilized serial mass screening with RT-PCR, providing valuable data for analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of SARS-CoV-2 mass screening in correctional facilities.
• To estimate the time to test results and the number of exposures averted through isolation of positive cases.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal analysis was conducted on data from CTDOC mass screening between November 2020 and May 2023.
• Time to test result and average averted exposures were calculated by comparing contact tracing data before and after positive test notifications.

Main Results:

• Median time to RT-PCR test results was 2 days for positive cases and 1 day for negative cases.
• Mass screening and isolation significantly reduced daily exposures to SARS-CoV-2 among cellmates and at the cell block level.
• However, transmission continued between test collection and result notification, with positive individuals having numerous susceptible contacts.

Conclusions:

• Mass screening can decrease SARS-CoV-2 exposures in correctional settings through prompt identification and isolation.
• Test result delays, insufficient isolation capacity, and undetected infections hinder complete transmission mitigation.
• Testing alone is unlikely to fully control SARS-CoV-2 transmission in correctional facilities.