Strategies to increase testing among individuals exposed to COVID-19 are needed. One approach to increase testing and case detection is to distribute home test kits to close contacts of individuals with COVID-19. This approach decreases logistic barriers to testing, potential exposures to COVID-19, and reduces potential stigma and fear associated with facility-based COVID-19 testing.
The investigators will conduct a cohort study of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the C-STRAND trial (NCT04797858), in order to determine if distribution of self-test kits to close contacts of of individuals with COVID-19 can increase case detection compared with a standard contact referral strategy among. Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 who were randomized to the self-test (intervention) arm or received self-test kits will be assigned to receive additional self-test kits to distribute to close contacts. Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 who were randomized to the test referral (control) arm or received test referrals will be assigned to receive text message referrals to give their close contacts to seek testing if needed. COVID-19 case detection and test uptake will be measured in both arms.
