Background: We assessed SARS-CoV-2 contamination of random surfaces in football training facilities in an environment with a high prevalence of infections. Methods: In six clubs of the Qatar Stars League, surfaces of random locations (high-touch areas, ventilation systems, toilets, cleaning tools, freezers, pantries) in routinely cleaned training facilities, locker rooms, medical and administrative areas were swabbed for SARS-CoV-2. The swabs were screened for the presence of viral RNA using a SARS-CoV-2 qPCR Probe Assay. Results: None of the 103 swabs reached a cycle threshold (cT) value ≤30 (strong viral presence, suggestive of potential surface transmission). Four samples showed cT values >30 and <35 (low quantity of virus) and 16 swabs returned a cT value ≥35 and <40 (inactive virus remnants). The remaining 83 samples were negative (cT value ≥40). Most samples with viral or viral remnant presence originated from high-touch areas. Conclusion: We did not find evidence for potential surface transmission in football club facilities when routine cleaning procedures are in place despite the presence of infected subjects.
CITATION STYLE
Schumacher, Y. O., Tabben, M., Chamari, K., Dzendrowskyj, P., Bahr, R., Hassoun, K., … Jeremijenko, A. M. (2021). Environmental surface contamination with SARS-CoV-2 in professional football clubs. Science and Medicine in Football, 5(sup1), 8–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/24733938.2021.1941227
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