Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) From Asymptomatic and Presymptomatic Individuals in Healthcare Settings Despite Medical Masks and Eye Protection
Michael Klompas, Meghan A. Baker, Diane Griesbach, Robert Tucker, Glen R. Gallagher, Andrew S. Lang, Timelia Fink, Melissa Cumming, Sandra Smole, Lawrence C. Madoff, Chanu Rhee
Abstract
We describe 3 instances of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission despite medical masks and eye protection, including transmission despite the source person being masked, transmission despite the exposed person being masked, and transmission despite both parties being masked. Whole genome sequencing confirmed perfect homology between source and exposed persons' viruses in all cases.
Topics & Concepts
Transmission (telecommunications)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)AsymptomaticCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)CoronavirusMedicineBetacoronavirus2019-20 coronavirus outbreakVirologySevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirusPathologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)OutbreakDiseaseComputer scienceTelecommunicationsInfection Control and VentilationCOVID-19 epidemiological studiesCOVID-19 and healthcare impacts