Statement on Revised CDC Testing Protocols
The recent coronavirus outbreak in shelters in Anchorage, Alaska underscores how vulnerable people experiencing homelessness are to COVID-19. People in congregate settings are particularly susceptible to spread because of their proximity to others who may have the disease.
However, the CDC has recently changed its guidance on testing people who have been exposed to the virus (those who have spent at least 15 minutes within six feet of someone who had the virus – a regular occurrence in shelters), indicating that they do not need to be tested unless they have symptoms.
According to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council (NHCHC), central to efforts to keep homeless people safe "…is the ability to identify, track and control the virus through testing and contact tracing activities." They conclude that the changes to CDC guidance "…go against public health protocols and undermine the hard work that communities have been doing."
Further, according to NHCHC, "…weakening testing protocols for those who are asymptomatic—but known to have had contact to persons with COVID-19—will have disastrous consequences both individually to those experiencing homelessness and to community shelter systems."
The CDC has not provided data or research to back up the recommended change.
The Alliance urges that, given the vulnerability, generally poor health, and close quarters of people experiencing homelessness, and considering the science behind widespread testing (including of asymptomatic people), communities continue to ramp up their testing programs for people experiencing homelessness and include those who are asymptomatic.
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