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February 5, 2021
Saliva is more sensitive than nasopharyngeal or nasal swabs for diagnosis of asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 infection
Saliva was found to be more sensitive for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 when compared to NP swab or self-administered nasal swab in a cohort of migrant workers in Singapore. Subjects who presented with acute respiratory infection, their asymptomatic roommates, and prior confirmed cases who were undergoing isolation at a community care facility underwent serial RT-PCR…
Large-scale analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike-glycoprotein mutants demonstrates the need for continuous screening of virus isolates
[Pre-print, not peer reviewed] An analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from around the world found that the overall rate of non-synonymous mutations in the spike protein was low. While only 14% of the samples contained no variation from the reference sequence, fewer than 10 non-synonymous mutations were found in 99.98% of samples. Recurrent variations were…
Estimated seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among adults in Orange County, California
Results from a SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence survey (July 10 to August 16, 2020, n=2979) from a socioeconomically and demographically diverse population of adults in Orange County, California found a seroprevalence of approximately 12 percent. Antibody testing was conducted using a highly specific and sensitive CoVAM microarray. This SARS-CoV-2 point seroprevalence among adults for July to August…
Risk compensation and face mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic
Implementation of face mask mandates may lead to people participating in higher risk activities. Using SafeGraph smart device location data and variation in the date that US states and counties issued face mask mandates, a comparison of time at home and the number of visits to public locations before and after face mask orders suggests…
Decline in COVID-19 Hospitalization Growth Rates Associated with Statewide Mask Mandates — 10 States, March–October 2020
Hospitals in states with statewide mask mandates reported a decline in weekly COVID-19–associated hospitalization growth rates by up to 5.5 percentage points for adults aged 18–64 years after mandate implementation, compared with growth rates during the 4 weeks preceding implementation of the mandate. Data were collected during March 22–October 17, 2020 in 10 sites participating…
Observed Face Mask Use at Six Universities — United States, September–November 2020
Among persons observed indoors in public settings at six universities with mask mandates, 92% wore masks correctly, according a study conducted during September–November 2020. Correct usage varied by mask type, with 97% for N95-type masks, 92% for cloth masks and 79% for bandanas, scarves, and similar face coverings. Barrios et al. (Feb 5, 2021). Observed…
February 4, 2021
Trends in US Emergency Department Visits for Mental Health, Overdose, and Violence Outcomes Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The median proportion of US emergency department (ED) visits that were related to mental health conditions, suicide attempts, all drug and opioid overdoses, and suspected child abuse and neglect (SCAN) were significantly higher from mid-March to October 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, based on a cross-sectional study of nearly 190 million visits…
Rapid Vaccination and Early Reactive Partial Lockdown Will Minimize Deaths from Emerging Highly Contagious SARS-CoV-2 Variants
A mathematical model calibrated to King County, Washington (but generalizable across states) suggests that across all scenarios of varying vaccine efficacy, rapid vaccination (roughly 8,000 people per day) and lower case thresholds for triggering and relaxing partial lockdown are the two most critical variables that predict lower total numbers of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths….
COVID-19 Outcomes Among Persons Living With or Without Diagnosed HIV Infection in New York State
COVID-19 related outcomes were worse among persons living with diagnosed HIV than those without HIV in New York State between March to June 2020, according to population-level comparisons using matched data from HIV surveillance, COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed diagnoses, and hospitalization databases. Though persons living with and without diagnosed HIV had similar COVID-19 diagnosis rates, among persons…
Increased Hazard of Death in Community-Tested Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 20201201
[Pre-print, not peer reviewed] The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant (first identified in the UK) was estimated to increase the risk of death by 30%, based on an analysis of a database of SARS-CoV-2 community test results in the UK. This dataset represents approximately 47% of all SARS-CoV-2 community tests and 7% of COVID-19 deaths in England…
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