Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

July 9, 2020

Increases in Health-Related Workplace Absenteeism Among Workers in Essential Critical Infrastructure Occupations During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, March–April 2020

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  • While the effect of COVID-19 on overall workplace absenteeism in March and April was minor, absenteeism was significantly higher than expected (based on the previous 5-years) among workers in job categories that contain a large proportion of workers who are part of the essential critical infrastructure workforce. These include the areas of personal care and service, healthcare support, and production occupations. Many essential critical infrastructure jobs inherently involve prolonged close contact with patients, the general public, or coworkers and require individuals to be physically present in their workplaces. Workers in these essential critical infrastructure occupations are likely to be at increased risk for occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2. 

Groenewold et al. (July 10, 2020). Increases in Health-Related Workplace Absenteeism Among Workers in Essential Critical Infrastructure Occupations During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, March–April 2020. MMWR. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6927a1