January 26, 2021

Evaluation of Seasonal Respiratory Virus Activity Before and After the Statewide COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Order in Northern California

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Public Health Policy and Practice

Keywords (Tags): flu, public health

Infection rates for influenza and rhinovirus or enterovirus were significantly lower during March 25 to July 31, 2020 compared to the same time period during the past 5 years, according to a cohort study in California that included over 45,000 tests for the viral respiratory infections. This significant drop in infection rates coincided with implementation of shelter-in-place orders on March 19, 2020. Influenza infection rates decreased by 93%, while rhinovirus or enterovirus infection rates decreased by 81%. In contrast, infection rates for the portions of the 2020 respiratory virus season prior to March 25th were similar to rates for the same period over the past 5 years (30.4 vs 33.7 positive results per 100 tests).

Partridge et al. (Jan 25, 2021). Evaluation of Seasonal Respiratory Virus Activity Before and After the Statewide COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Order in Northern California. JAMA Network Open. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.35281