Comparison of infection control strategies to reduce COVID-19 outbreaks in homeless shelters in the United States: a simulation study

This study develops a microsimulation model of COVID-19 transmission in a homeless shelter and calibrated it to data from surveys conducted during COVID-19 outbreaks in five homeless shelters in three US cities from March 28 to April 10, 2022. The study estimates the probability of averting a COVID-19 outbreak when an exposed individual is introduced into a representative homeless shelter of 250 residents and 50 staff over 30 days under different infection control strategies. The results show that within communities with high COVID-19 community incidence are unable to prevent a large outbreak, despite extensive infection control strategies. This study suggests a need for non-congregate housing in high-risk settings, is needed to avoid outbreaks within these settings.

Resource Details

• Population: People Experiencing Homelessness|People Living in Congregate Housing
• Topics of Practice: Data Collection and Analysis
• Outcomes of Interest: Reduction of Health Disparities
• Level of Evidence: Emerging
• Tools or Materials Included in Resource: No
• Social Determinants of Health: Neighborhood and Built Environment
• Outside of US: No