No abstract

Background: Structural racism leads to adverse health outcomes, as highlighted by inequities in COVID-19 infections. We characterized Black/White disparities among pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 in Cuyahoga County which has some of the most extreme health disparities in the U.S., such as a rate of Black infant mortality that is three times that of White counterparts. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using data collected as part of public health surveillance between March 16, 2020 until October 1, 2020. This study aimed to compare Black and Non-Black pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2 to understand how the distribution of risk factors may differ by race. Outcomes included age, gestational age at infection, medical co-morbidities, exposure history, socio-economic status, occupation, symptom severity and pregnancy complications. Findings: One hundred and sixty-two women were included. 81 (50%) were Black, 67 (41%) White, 9 (0¢05%) Hispanic, 2 (0¢01%) Asian; and three did not self-identify with any particular race. More than half who supplied occupational information (n = 132) were essential workers as classified by the CDC definition (55%, n = 73). Black women were younger (p = 0¢0062) and more likely to identify an occupational contact as exposing them to SARS-CoV-2 (p = 0¢020). Non-Black women were more likely to work from home (p = 0¢018) and indicate a personal or household contact as their exposure (p = 0¢020). Occupation was a risk factor for severe symptoms (aOR 4¢487, p = 0¢037). Most Black women lived in areas with median income <$39,000 and Black women were more likely to have a preterm delivery (22¢2% versus 0%, p = 0¢026). Interpretation: Many pregnant women infected by SARS-CoV-2 are essential workers. Black women are more likely than White counterparts to have occupational exposure as the presumed source for their infection. Limitations in occupational options and controlling risk in these positions could be related to lower socioeconomic status, resulting from a long history of structural racism in Cuyahoga County as evidenced by redlining and other policies limiting opportunities for people of color.

Background Clusters of COVID‐19 cases amplify the pandemic and are critical targets for intervention, but comprehensive cluster‐level data are not collected systematically by federal or most state public health entities. This analysis characterizes COVID‐19 clusters among vulnerable populations housed in congregate living settings across an entire community and describes early mitigation efforts. Methods The Cuyahoga County Board of Health identified and interviewed COVID‐19 cases and exposed contacts, assessing possible connections to congregate living facilities within its jurisdiction from March 7, 2020, to May 15, 2020, during the first phase of the pandemic, while state of Ohio stay‐at‐home orders were in effect. A multi‐disciplinary team‐based response network was mobilized to support active case finding and develop facility‐focused containment strategies. Results We identified a cascade of 45 COVID‐19 clusters across community facilities (corrections, nursing, assisted living, intermediate care, extended treatment, shelters, group homes). Attack rates were highest within small facilities ( P < .01) and large facilities requiring extensive support to implement effective containment measures. For 25 clusters, we identified an index case who frequently (88%) was a healthcare worker. Engagement of clinical, community, and government partners through public health coordination efforts created opportunities to rapidly develop and coordinate effective response strategies to support the facilities facing the dawning impact of the pandemic. Conclusions Active cluster investigations can uncover the dynamics of community transmission affecting both residents of congregate settings and their caregivers and help to target efforts toward populations with ongoing challenges in access to detection and control resources.