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Surface sampling for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in workplace outbreak settings in the UK, 2021–22.
- Source :
- Journal of Applied Microbiology; Oct2023, Vol. 134 Issue 10, p1-8, 8p
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Aims: To utilize environmental surface sampling to evaluate areas of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contamination within workplaces to identify trends and improve local coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) control measures. Methods and results: Surface sampling was undertaken at 12 workplaces that experienced a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the workforce between March 2021 and March 2022. A total of 7.4% (61/829) samples collected were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by the quantitative PCR (qPCR) with only 1.8% (15/829) of samples identified with crossing threshold (Ct) values <35.0. No sample returned whole-genome sequence inferring RNA detected was degraded. Conclusions: Few workplace surface samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and positive samples typically contained low levels of nucleic acid. Although these data may infer a low probability of fomite transmission within the workplace, Ct values may have been lower at the time of contamination. Workplace environmental sampling identified lapses in COVID-19 control measures within individual sites and showed trends throughout the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 13645072
- Volume :
- 134
- Issue :
- 10
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Applied Microbiology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 173805520
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1093/jambio/lxad216