May 22, 2020

Outbreak Investigation of COVID-19 Among Residents and Staff of an Independent and Assisted Living Community for Older Adults in Seattle, Washington

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Public Health Policy and Practice

• In March 2020, public health surveillance of staff and residents at an independent living residence for older adults in Seattle, WA revealed 3 of 80 (3.8%) residents (mean age 86 years) and 2 of 62 (3.2%) staff infected with SARS-CoV-2. None of the three residents reported feeling ill, while both staff members were symptomatic. Repeat testing after one week identified one new asymptomatically infected resident. All residents were subsequently isolated for 14 days and remained clinically stable. 
• These findings demonstrate asymptomatic detection of SARS-CoV-2 among older adults in an independent/assisted living community. This highlights the need for continued social distancing, strict staff screening, and visitor exclusion in these settings, per current CDC guidance. Symptom screening alone is insufficient to prevent transmission in independent/assisted living communities. 

Roxby et al. (May 21, 2020). Outbreak Investigation of COVID-19 Among Residents and Staff of an Independent and Assisted Living Community for Older Adults in Seattle, Washington. JAMA Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.2233