Emerging
Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.

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

Chapman, L.A., Kushel, M., Cox, S.N., Scarborough, A., Cawley, C., Nguyen, T.Q., Rodriguez-Barraquer, I., Greenhouse, B., Imbert, E., Lo, N.C.

Release Date:

Peer Review Study

Data Collection and Analysis
Neighborhood and Built Environment
Tools Included
Outside U.S.
Clipboard

Data Collection and Reporting

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

Outcomes of Interest

Reduction of Health Disparities

Priority Population(s)

People Experiencing Homelessness, People Living in Congregate Housing

Setting(s) of Implementation

Geographic Area of Implementation

Implementation Period

2021