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Oxford University Press - PMC COVID-19 Collection logoLink to Oxford University Press - PMC COVID-19 Collection
. 2021 Mar 11:ciab218. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciab218

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from asymptomatic and presymptomatic individuals in healthcare settings despite medical masks and eye protection

Michael Klompas 1,2,, Meghan A Baker 1,2, Diane Griesbach 2, Robert Tucker 2, Glen R Gallagher 3, Andrew S Lang 3, Timelia Fink 3, Melissa Cumming 1, Sandra Smole 3, Lawrence C Madoff 3, Chanu Rhee 1,2
PMCID: PMC7989527  PMID: 33704451

Abstract

We describe 3 instances of SARS-CoV-2 transmission despite medical masks and eye protection, including transmission despite the source person being masked, transmission despite the exposed person being masked, and transmission despite both parties being masked. Whole genome sequencing confirmed perfect homology between source and exposed persons’ viruses in all cases.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, viral transmission, masking, infection control


Articles from Clinical Infectious Diseases: An Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America are provided here courtesy of Oxford University Press

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