Asymptomatic COVID-19 in hospital visitors: The underestimated potential of viral shedding

Abstract

In a single day, six of 150 (4%) asymptomatic visitors were diagnosed with COVID-19 at a hospital with a universal masking policy. Two inpatients (contacts) subsequently developed symptoms. More rigorous protective measures during visitation periods may need to be included in infection control practices to reduce nosocomial transmissions.

Keywords: Asymptomatic; Nosocomial; Sarscov2; Universal mask; Visitors.