Multi-stakeholder perspective on infection control in collective accommodation centres for refugees during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany (RECENT)

Initial reception centres and collective accommodation for refugees faced numerous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical distancing measures were usually not possible or only possible to a limited extent, for example due to cramped conditions in the accommodation or the shared use of kitchens and sanitary facilities.

As a result, there was a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in initial reception centres and collective accommodation.

The aim of the RECENT project was to investigate which strategies initial reception centres and collective accommodation facilities in Germany have used to prevent outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 infections, to contain outbreaks when infections have occurred, and how the measures were perceived by both the residents and the staff involved in the facilities. Best practice recommendations were derived from the results.