Notes from the Field: Universal Statewide Laboratory Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Nursing Homes — West Virginia April 21–May 8 2020

摘要

Outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in nursing homes can severely affect older adults. During March 17–April 16, 2020, seven nursing homes in West Virginia reported 307 COVID-19 cases among both residents and staff members; four of the nursing homes reported outbreaks involving 20–40 residents. On April 17, the governor of West Virginia issued Executive Order 27–20 directing the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health (WVBPH) to coordinate universal testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, among residents and staff members of all 123 West Virginia nursing homes, irrespective of symptoms. During April 21–May 8, universal testing was conducted in all 123 West Virginia nursing homes, with 42 COVID-19 cases identified in 28 (23%) nursing homes; the 42 cases occurred in 11 residents (0.1% of residents tested) and 31 staff members (0.2%).