Whole viral genome sequencing to assess the impact of universal masking on SARS-CoV-2 transmission among pediatric health care workers.

Kociolek, L., Patel, A., Hultquist, J., Ozer, E., Simons, L., McHugh, M., . Lorenzo-Redondo, R. (2021) Viral whole genome sequencing to assess the impact of universal masking on SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric health care workers. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 1-5. doi: 10.1017 / ice.2021.415

Commentary

This study was designed to identify the impact of universal masking on the incidence of COVID-19 and estimated SARS-CoV-2 transmission events among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a children's hospital.

Whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2-PCR positive samples collected from health care workers 3 weeks before and 6 weeks after implementation of the universal masking policy was performed.

As a result, the incidence of HCW COVID-19 and test positivity decreased from 14.3 to 4.3 cases per week and from 18.4% to 9.0%, respectively.

Estimated transmission events were identified only prior to universal masking.

In conclusion, the universal masking policy was associated with a reduction in HCWCOVID-19 transmission and occupational acquisition of SARS-CoV-2.