A Conceptual Discussion About the Basic Reproduction Number of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Healthcare Settings

Clin Infect Dis. 2021 Jan 23;72(1):141-143. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa682.

Abstract

To date, no specific estimate of R0 for SARS-CoV-2 is available for healthcare settings. Using interindividual contact data, we highlight that R0 estimates from the community cannot translate directly to healthcare settings, with pre-pandemic R0 values ranging 1.3-7.7 in 3 illustrative healthcare institutions. This has implications for nosocomial COVID-19 control.

Keywords: COVID-19; basic reproduction number; hospital; modeling; transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Basic Reproduction Number
  • COVID-19*
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2*