Comparison of infection control strategies to reduce COVID-19 outbreaks in homeless shelters in the United States: a simulation study

COVID-19 outbreaks have occurred in homeless shelters across the US, highlighting an urgent need to identify the most effective infection control strategy to prevent future outbreaks.

In high-risk homeless shelter environments and locations with high community incidence of COVID-19, even intensive infection control strategies are unlikely to prevent outbreaks, suggesting a need for non-congregate housing arrangements for people experiencing homelessness. In lower-risk environments, combined interventions should be employed to reduce outbreak risk.