Early Results from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing of Healthcare Workers at an Academic Medical Center in New York City

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction employee testing was implemented across New York University Langone Health. Over 8 weeks, 14764 employees were tested; 33% of symptomatic employees, 8% of asymptomatic employees reporting COVID-19 exposure, and 3% of employees returning to work were positive. Positivity rates declined over time, possibly reflecting the importance of community transmission and efficacy of personal protective equipment.

Automated summary

New York University Langone Health implemented COVID-19 employee testing using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Over 8 weeks, 14764 employees were tested, with positivity rates declining over time, possibly due to the importance of community transmission and efficacy of personal protective equipment.