SARS-CoV-2 screening among people living in homeless shelters in Brussels, Belgium.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Subgroups of precarious populations such as homeless people are more exposed to infection and at higher risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19 compared to the general population. Many of the recommended prevention measures, such as social distancing and self-isolation, are not feasible for a population living in shelters characterised by physical proximity and a high population density. The objective of the study was to describe SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in homeless shelters in Brussels (Belgium), and to identify risk factors and infection control practices associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity rates.

Methods

A total of 1994 adults were tested by quantitative PCR tests in 52 shelters in Brussels (Belgium) between April and June, 2020, in collaboration w

SUBMITTER: Roland M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8205130 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature