Detection of Air and Surface Contamination by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Hospital Rooms of Infected Patients

Chia, Po Ying; Coleman, Kristen K; Tan, Yian Kim; Ong, Sean Wei Xiang; Gum, Marcus; Lau, Sok Kiang; Sutjipto, Stephanie; Lee, Pei Hua; Son, Than The; Young, Barnaby E.; Milton, Donald K.; Gray, Gregory C.; Schuster, Stephan; Barkham, Timothy; De, Partha Prathim; Vasoo, Shawn; Chan, Monica; Ang, Brenda Sze Peng; Tan, Boon Huan; Leo, Yee Sin; Ng, Oon-Tek; Wong, Michelle Su Yen; Marimuthu, Kalisvar

Understanding the particle size distribution in the air and patterns of environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 is essential for infection prevention policies. We aimed to detect SARS-CoV-2 surface and air contamination and study associated patient-level factors. 245 surface samples were collected from 30 airborne infection isolation rooms of COVID-19 patients, and air sampling was conducted in 3 rooms. Air sampling detected SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive particles of sizes >4 {micro}m and 1-4 {micro}m in two rooms, which warrants further study of the airborne transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2. 56.7% of rooms had at least one environmental surface contaminated. High touch surface contamination was shown in ten (66.7%) out of 15 patients in the first week of illness, and three (20%) beyond the first week of illness (p = 0.010).