Universal Statewide Laboratory Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Nursing Homes - West Virginia, April 21–May 8, 2020

Outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in nursing homes can severely affect older adults. During March 17- April 16, 2020, seven nursing homes in West Virginia reported 307 COVID-19 cases among both residents and staff members; four of the nursing homes reported outbreaks involving 20-40 residents. On April 17, the governor of West Virginia issued Executive Order 27-20* directing the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health (WVBPH) to coordinate universal testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, among residents and staff members of all 123 West Virginia nursing homes, irrespective of symptoms. During April 21-May 8, universal testing was conducted in all 123 West Virginia nursing homes, with 42 COVID-19 cases identified in 28 (23%) nursing homes; the 42 cases occurred in 11 residents (0.1% of residents tested) and 31 staff members (0.2%). Universal testing identified eight outbreaks with 17 staff members and five residents who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, including six staff members and two residents who were asymptomatic.