Prevalence of Covid-19 Infection and Subsequent Cohorting in a Residential Substance Use Treatment Program in Boston, MA

• DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000700
• Publication Date: 2020-06-11T13:46:10Z
• Authors: Joshua A. Barocas; Elizabeth Blackstone; Tara C. Bouton; Simeon D. Kimmel; Andrea Caputo; Sarah J. Porter; Alexander Y. Walley
• Keywords: 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Objectives: The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) may disproportionately affect persons in congregate settings, including those residential substance use treatment facilities. To limit the spread SARS-CoV-2 through universal testing be necessary. We aimed to determine point prevalence a program setting and understand unique challenges Covid-19 transmission this setting. Methods: performed case series rT-PCR via nasopharyngeal for women Boston. Staff residents were tested SARS-CoV-2. primary outcome was test result. Results: A total 31 staff tested. Twenty-seven percent (6/22) 44% (4/9) positive All resided same unit. Two cases together with 2 negative 4-person room. other 2-person One 3-person Based on results, cohorted by infection status continued participate addiction on-site. Conclusions: common among within Universal programs can instituted reduce risk further continue programming when accompanied adequate space, supplies, staffing.