Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 14, 2021

Community-Based Testing for SARS-CoV-2 — Chicago, Illinois, May–November 2020

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  • A community-based SARS-CoV-2 testing (CBT) program in Chicago found that persons tested at CBT sites (N=250,000) were more likely to have SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to persons tested in other settings. Persons who were tested at the CBT sites were also more likely to be <40 years of age, Hispanic, and live in economically marginalized zip codes. The CBT program included both fixed and mobile testing sites. Mobile sites were deployed to zip codes with the highest 7-day average percentage of positive test results. The authors emphasize that these results demonstrate the capacity of CBTs to more effectively reach marginalized communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19. 

English et al. (May 14, 2021). Community-Based Testing for SARS-CoV-2 — Chicago, Illinois, May–November 2020. MMWR. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7019a4