A dedicated SARS-CoV-2 testing centre for public service agency personnel: implementation, results, and impact on human resources.

MacDonald, Russell D; MacCallum, Kyle; Livingston, Lisa; Thurston, Adam; Shield, Jennifer

ObjectiveA global pandemic due to an emerging infectious disease requires efficient use of resources to ensure continued operation of essential services. To mitigate risk to these services and the population served, there needs to be a rapid identification of infected personnel via screening and testing.MethodsThis retrospective study used prospectively collected data from a dedicated SARS-CoV-2 testing centre for fire, police, and paramedic personnel in Toronto, Canada to determine the incidence of seropositive personnel and their immediate household, and estimate the days off work saved by timely access to testing and results.ResultsIn the consecutive 12-month study period, 10624 tests were carried out. Of 7951 personnel tested, 282 (3.55%) were positive, with positivity rates ranging from 2.52% for paramedics, 4.01% for police, and 4.25% for fire personnel. Household members tested positive in 173 of 2592 cases (6.67%), ranging from 5.22% for fire, 6.34% for paramedic, and 7.04% for police households. The median time to obtain test results was 1 day, with 90% available within 2 days. Implementation of the Centre is estimated to have saved the Services 7669 person-days off work.ConclusionA dedicated SARS-CoV-2 testing centre for essential personnel can improve access to diagnostic testing and turnaround time for results, and provide a positive impact on human resource availability during a pandemic.