Low SARS-CoV-2 Cq values in healthcare workers with symptomatic COVID-19 infections, regardless of symptom severity, The Netherlands, January to August 2022

We analysed SARS-CoV-2 PCR Cq values from 3,183 healthcare workers who tested positive between January and August 2022. Median Cq values were lower in symptomatic than in asymptomatic HCW. The difference in Cq values between HCW with mild vs moderate/severe symptoms was statistically significant but negligibly small. To prevent nosocomial infections, all symptomatic HCW should be tested irrespective of symptom severity. This information can support decisions on testing and isolation, in the context of ongoing pressure on healthcare systems.

Automated summary

We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 PCR Cq values in 3,183 healthcare workers who tested positive from January to August 2022. Median Cq values were lower in symptomatic HCW compared to asymptomatic HCW. The difference in Cq values between HCW with mild vs moderate/severe symptoms was statistically significant but negligible. Testing all symptomatic HCW, regardless of symptom severity, is necessary to prevent nosocomial infections. This information can help guide decisions on testing and isolation in healthcare systems under ongoing pressure.