Top 5 Takeaways

1. High Vaccination Coverage: 93% of eligible persons aged ≥12 years were vaccinated, contributing significantly to the prevention of COVID-19 spread.
2. Effective Screening Testing: 38,059 tests were conducted, identifying six confirmed COVID-19 cases through screening and three additional cases based on symptoms.
3. Multicomponent Prevention Strategies: Strategies included vaccination, testing, podding, masking, physical distancing, and hand hygiene, resulting in no known secondary transmission.
4. Importance of Controlled Environments: Off-site activities for staff increased the risk of exposure, leading to three cases and subsequent cancellation of such activities.
5. Comprehensive Protocols: Camps designed site-specific COVID-19 protocols with guidance from multiple health organizations, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Kim Van Naarden Braun, kimbraun1@gmail.com

Suggested Citation

Van Naarden Braun K, Drexler M, Rozenfeld RA, et al. Multicomponent Strategies to Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Transmission — Nine Overnight Youth Summer Camps, United States, June–August 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1420–1424. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7040e1

Summary

This study assessed the effectiveness of multicomponent strategies to prevent COVID-19 transmission among 7,173 staff members and campers at nine U.S. overnight youth summer camps. The camps implemented vaccination, testing, podding, masking, physical distancing, and hand hygiene during June–August 2021. High vaccination coverage (93% among eligible persons) and extensive testing (38,059 tests) identified nine COVID-19 cases, with no secondary transmission detected.

Methods

The study included documentation of COVID-19 protocols, demographic and vaccination characteristics, results of SARS-CoV-2 screening testing, and actions taken in response to cases. Data were collected via a secure portal and included deidentified demographic information, testing counts, and descriptions of positive tests and confirmed cases. Institutional Review Board approval and waiver of informed consent were granted through NorthShore University HealthSystems.

Discussion

The implementation of multicomponent prevention strategies, including high vaccination coverage, frequent testing, and additional measures like podding and masking, was critical in limiting the introduction and spread of COVID-19. The study highlights the importance of controlled environments and the risks associated with off-site activities. These findings provide valuable insights for developing COVID-19 prevention protocols in other youth-focused settings.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of simultaneous implementation of multiple prevention strategies to reduce and prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission in overnight youth camp settings. High vaccination rates, frequent testing, and comprehensive protocols enabled safe engagement for campers and staff, with no secondary transmission detected. These strategies can inform similar protocols in schools and related youth programs.

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