National Weekly SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Screening of All Workers in Long-Term Care Facilities Associated with Decrease in Resident Mortality Rate.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Outbreaks of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) have resulted mainly from disease transmission by asymptomatic health care workers. This study examines whether routine screening tests carried out on health care workers can help in reducing COVID-19 outbreaks, morbidity, and mortality of LTCF residents.

Methods

The study followed a weekly, nationwide, government-funded screening program of LTCF personnel for SARS-CoV-2, by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction as the main testing technology. It included all residents and employees in Israeli LTCFs who were screened weekly during the second wave of COVID-19, during the period of time between July 13, 2020, and November 21, 2020.

Results

During the study period, 1,107 LTCFs were sc

SUBMITTER: Abu-Fraiha Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9981777 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature