COVID-19: The forgotten cases of hidden exiles

Purpose of the research: We describe two interventions to screen for SARS-CoV-2 in two squats of exiled persons in France following the diagnosis of symptomatic COVID-19 cases. Principal results: In squat A, 50 (25%) persons were screened; 19 were found positive, and three accepted a transfer. In squat B, 65 (54%) persons were screened at three different times, and only two were found positive. Major conclusions: Discrepant outcomes may reflect different levels of sanitation, prevention, and acceptance of interventions. Refusal to be transferred to specific COVID-19 homes if tested positive underscores the importance of local sanitary solutions for all. Cross-curricular strategies addressed to exiled persons are essential means of providing medical and public health solutions designed to deter COVID-19 outbreaks in these populations.

Automated summary

The research describes two interventions to screen for SARS-CoV-2 in two squats of exiled persons in France following the diagnosis of symptomatic COVID-19 cases. The results show different numbers of positive cases in the two squats, which may reflect variations in sanitation, prevention measures, and acceptance of interventions. Refusal to transfer to specific COVID-19 homes if tested positive highlights the importance of local sanitary solutions for all.