Articles: sars-cov-2.
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Until effective treatments and vaccines are made readily and widely available, preventative behavioural health measures will be central to the SARS-CoV-2 public health response. While current recommendations are grounded in general infectious disease prevention practices, it is still not entirely understood which particular behaviours or exposures meaningfully affect one's own risk of incident SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our objective is to identify individual-level factors associated with one's personal risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2. ⋯ Our study identified three modifiable health behaviours, namely the number of non-household contacts, attending large gatherings and restaurant visits, which may meaningfully influence individual-level risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2.
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Objective: A global pandemic due to an emerging infectious disease requires efficient use of resources to ensure continued operation of essential services. To mitigate risk to these services and the population served, there needs to be a rapid identification of infected personnel via screening and testing. Methods: This retrospective study used prospectively collected data from a dedicated SARS-CoV-2 testing center for fire, police, and paramedic personnel in Toronto, Canada to determine the incidence of seropositive personnel and their immediate household, and estimate the days off work saved by timely access to testing and results. ⋯ The median time to obtain test results was 1 day, with 90% available within 2 days. Implementation of the Center is estimated to have saved the Services 7669 person-days off work. Conclusion: A dedicated SARS-CoV-2 testing center for essential personnel can improve access to diagnostic testing and turnaround time for results, and provide a positive impact on human resource availability during a pandemic.
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This study aimed to capture key epidemiological data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nicaraguan children (≤18 years) seeking medical care, between 6 October and 16 November 2020. ⋯ This is the first paediatric study to provide laboratory-confirmed data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nicaragua, crucial for paediatric health services planning and a successful COVID-19 response. The high prevalence of the virus suggests widespread and sustained community transmission, underscoring the urgent need for robust data on the true extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection throughout Nicaragua.