Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid contamination of surfaces on a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ward and intensive care unit

On coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wards, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleic acid was frequently detected on high-touch surfaces, floors, and socks inside patient rooms. Contamination of floors and shoes was common outside patient rooms on the COVID-19 wards but decreased after improvements in floor cleaning and disinfection were implemented.

Automated summary

COVID-19 wards often have SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid on high-touch surfaces, floors, and socks inside patient rooms. Contamination of floors and shoes outside patient rooms is common but decreases with improvements in floor cleaning and disinfection.