Occupational exposures and mitigation strategies among homeless shelter workers at risk of COVID-19

<h4>Objective</h4> To describe the work environment and COVID-19 mitigation measures for homeless shelter workers and assess occupational risk factors for COVID-19. <h4>Methods</h4> Between June 9-August 10, 2020, we conducted a self-administered survey among homeless shelter...

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Auteurs principaux: Carol Y. Rao, Tashina Robinson, Karin Huster, Rebecca L. Laws, Ryan Keating, Farrell A. Tobolowsky, Temet M. McMichael, Elysia Gonzales, Emily Mosites
Format: article
Langue:EN
Publié: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2021
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Accès en ligne:https://doaj.org/article/4b7a631a93dd4674ac12e22da6ca1b0a
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Résumé:<h4>Objective</h4> To describe the work environment and COVID-19 mitigation measures for homeless shelter workers and assess occupational risk factors for COVID-19. <h4>Methods</h4> Between June 9-August 10, 2020, we conducted a self-administered survey among homeless shelter workers in Washington, Massachusetts, Utah, Maryland, and Georgia. We calculated frequencies for work environment, personal protective equipment use, and SARS-CoV-2 testing history. We used generalized linear models to produce unadjusted prevalence ratios (PR) to assess risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. <h4>Results</h4> Of the 106 respondents, 43.4% reported frequent close contact with clients; 75% were worried about work-related SARS-CoV-2 infections; 15% reported testing positive. Close contact with clients was associated with testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (PR 3.97, 95%CI 1.06, 14.93). <h4>Conclusions</h4> Homeless shelter workers may be at risk of being exposed to individuals with COVID-19 during the course of their work. Frequent close contact with clients was associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Protecting these critical essential workers by implementing mitigation measures and prioritizing for COVID-19 vaccination is imperative during the pandemic.