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September 12, 2020 5:08:33 pm
According to the study, the data collected by the scientists from the participants included demographic characteristics, information on underlying chronic medical conditions, symptoms, and self-reported physical and mental health.
Close contact with COVID-19 patients and dining at restaurants and pubs are associated with testing positive for the novel coronavirus infection, according to an outpatient study from 11 US healthcare centers.
According to the research, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults who tested positive for the novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus were nearly twice as high. likely to have reported eating at a restaurant. than those with negative test results.
To assess community and close contact exposures associated with COVID-19, scientists, including those at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, evaluated the exposures reported by 154 adult case-patients, who were diagnosed by RT testing. -PCR, and compared them with data from 160 control participants who showed symptoms but had negative test results.
According to the study, the data collected by the scientists from the participants included demographic characteristics, information on underlying chronic medical conditions, symptoms, and self-rated physical and mental health.
They also collected data from participants on close contact, within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more, with a person with known COVID-19, workplace exposures, mask-wearing behavior, and community activities in the past 14 days before they began to experience symptoms. .
“Case patients were more likely to have reported dining at a restaurant (any area designated by the restaurant, including indoor, patio, and outdoor seating) in the 2 weeks prior to onset of illness than participants control, “the study noted.
When the scientists restricted their analysis to those with no known interaction with a COVID-19 patient, respondents were more likely to report dining at a restaurant, or going to a bar or coffee shop than control participants.
“Exposures and activities in which the use of masks and social distancing are difficult to maintain, including going to places that offer food or drink on the spot, could be significant risk factors for acquiring COVID-19,” the scientists wrote. on the research.
They said such exposures in restaurants could be related to air circulation.
“Direction, ventilation, and intensity of airflow could affect transmission of the virus, even if social distancing measures and the use of masks are implemented according to current guidelines,” the study noted.
Masks cannot be used effectively while eating and drinking, while shopping and many other indoor activities do not preclude wearing masks, the scientists said.
Citing the study’s limitations, the researchers said the sample included only 314 symptomatic patients who actively sought testing from July 1 to July 29 at 11 healthcare centers, and may not represent the entire US population. USA
They said the study survey question evaluating dining at a restaurant did not distinguish between indoor and outdoor options. The scientists also added that asking participants about going to a bar or coffee shop did not distinguish between places or methods of service delivery, which could represent different exposures.
Since the participants were aware of the results of the SARS-CoV-2 test, they said that this information could also have influenced their responses to questions about community exposures and close contacts.
However, as communities reopen, the researchers believe that efforts to reduce potential exposures in places that offer on-site eating and drinking options should be considered to protect customers, employees and communities.
They said that ongoing evaluation of various types of activities and exhibits as communities, schools and workplaces reopen is important.
“Consideration should be given to implementing safe practices to reduce exposure to SARS-CoV-2 during food and drink on-site to protect customers, employees, and communities, and slow the spread of COVID-19,” the scientists concluded. .
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