Aerosol SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals and long-term care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background Few studies have quantified aerosol concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals and longterm care homes, and fewer still have examined samples for viability. This information is needed to clarify transmission risks beyond close contact. Methods We deployed particulate air samplers in rooms with COVID-19 positive patients in hospital ward and ICU rooms, rooms in long-term care homes experiencing outbreaks, and a correctional facility experiencing an outbreak. Samplers were placed between 2 and 3 meters from the patient. Aerosol (small liquid particles suspended in air) samples were collected onto gelatin filters by Ultrasonic Personal Air Samplers (UPAS) fitted with <2.5 mu m (micrometer) and < 10 mu m size-selective inlets operated for 16 hours (total 1.92m(3)), and with a Coriolis Biosampler over 10 minutes (total 1.5m(3)). Samples were assayed for viable SARS-CoV-2 virus and for the viral genome by multiplex PCR using the E and N protein target sequences. We validated the sampling methods by inoculating gelatin filters with viable vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and with three concentrations of viable SARS-CoV-2, operating personal samplers for 16hrs, and quantifying viable virus recovery by TCID50 assay. Results In total, 138 samples were collected from 99 rooms. RNA samples were positive in 9.1% (6/66) of samples obtained with the UPAS 2.5 mu m samplers, 13.5% (7/52) with the UPAS 10 mu m samplers, and 10.0% (2/20) samples obtained with the Coriolis samplers. Culturable virus was not recovered in any samples. Viral RNA was detected in 15.1% of the rooms sampled. There was no significant difference in viral RNA recovery between the different room locations or samplers. Method development experiments indicated minimal loss of SARS-CoV-2 viability via the personal air sampler operation.

Automated summary

This study quantified aerosol concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in various healthcare settings and found viral RNA in a proportion of samples, but no viable virus was recovered. The results suggest minimal risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via aerosols in these settings.