Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the homeless: results from a retrospective closed cohort in France (March-May 2020)

Objectives: To evaluate severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, hospitalization and fatality rates in residents of homeless shelters run by Samusocial of Paris. Methods: We conducted a retrospective serological study between July and August 2020 on all residents and staff members of three homeless shelters run by Samusocial of Paris: two centres providing healthcare accommodation (HCA) and one a women's dormitory. We included all adults present in the shelters or who died of a proven SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first wave (March-May). SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in serum samples using the SARS-CoV-2 IgG Architect (Abbott) test. Any participant with a positive PCR or serology was defined as a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 case. Results: We included 100 residents and 83 staff members. The confirmed SARS-CoV-2 rate by PCR or serology was 72/100 (72.0%) for residents and 17/83 (20.5%) for staff members. Women accommodated in the dormitory had the highest infection rate (90.6%). The hospitalization rate in residents was 17/72 (23.6%) and the death rate 4/72 (5.6%). All hospitalizations and deaths occurred among HCA residents. Among the residents of HCA shelters, 34/68 (50%) presented at least two comorbidity factors associated with being at high risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusion: The SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was high in residents of these homeless shelters (10.6% seroprevalence in the Ile-de-France region during the first wave). Severe SARS-CoV-2 infection was highly associated with the prevalence of comorbidities. This population should be considered as a priority in vaccination campaigns and in access to individual housing units when at risk. (C) 2021 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study aimed to assess the SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization, and fatality rates in residents of homeless shelters run by the Samusocial of Paris. Results showed a high infection rate among residents, especially those with comorbidities, highlighting the need for priority consideration in vaccination campaigns and access to individual housing units.