Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

January 11, 2021

Time from Start of Quarantine to SARS-CoV-2 Positive Test Among Quarantined College and University Athletes — 17 States, June–October 2020

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An analysis conducted by CDC with the National Collegiate Athletic Association found that among collegiate athletes exposed to COVID-19 (n=1,830), one quarter had positive test results during quarantine with a mean of 3.8 days from quarantine start until the positive test result. Among athletes who had not received a positive test result by day 5, the probability of testing positive decreased from 27% after day 5 to <5% after day 10. More athletes reported exposure to COVID-19 at social gatherings (40.7%) and from roommates (31.7%) than they did from exposures associated with athletic activities (12.7%). The authors concluded that shortening the quarantine period could increase adherence, but still poses a small transmission risk.

Atherstone et al. (Jan 8, 2021). Time from Start of Quarantine to SARS-CoV-2 Positive Test Among Quarantined College and University Athletes — 17 States, June–October 2020. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7001a2