Authors
Dylan C. Kain; Sandra Isabel; Mariana Abdulnoor; Karel Boissinot; Richard De Borja; Amanda Filkin; Bernard Lam; Jason Li; Ilinca Lungu; Liz McCreight; Allison McGeer; Tony Mazzulli; Aimee Paterson; Philip Zuzarte; Felicia Vincelli; Cassandra Bergwerff; Ramzi Fattouh; Jared T. Simpson; Jennie Johnstone
Objective
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) hospital outbreaks have been common and devastating during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission in these environments is critical for preventing and managing outbreaks.
Design
Outbreak investigation through epidemiological mapping and whole-genome sequencing phylogeny.
Setting
Hospital in-patient medical unit outbreak in Toronto, Canada, from November 2020 to January 2021.
Participants:
The outbreak involved 8 patients and 10 staff and was associated with 3 patient deaths.
Results:
Patients being cared for in geriatric chairs at the nursing station were at high risk for both acquiring and transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to other patients and staff. Furthermore, given the informal nature of these transmissions, they were not initially recognized, which led to further transmission and missing the opportunity for preventative COVID-19 therapies.
Conclusions:
During outbreak prevention and management, the risk of informal patient care settings, such as geriatric chairs, should be considered. During high-risk periods or during outbreaks, efforts should be made to care for patients in their rooms when possible.
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