Presymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections and Transmission in a Skilled Nursing Facility
Twenty-three days after 1st positive test result, 57 of 89 residents (64%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Rapid and widespread transmission was noted, with >50% residents with positive results asymptomatic at time of testing and most likely contributed to transmission.
Source:
New England Journal of Medicine
SPS commentary:
According to an editorial, the rapid spread of Covid-19 across the US and the globe, the clear evidence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from asymptomatic persons, and the eventual need to relax current social distancing practices argue for broadened SARS-CoV-2 testing to include asymptomatic persons in prioritised settings. It adds that these factors also support the case for the general public to use face masks when in crowded outdoor or indoor spaces.