January 27, 2021

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in First Responders and Public Safety Personnel, New York City, New York, USA, May-July 2020

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Public Health Policy and Practice

Keywords (Tags): public health

23% of first responders in New York City tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies during May-July 2020, with seroprevalence highest among correctional staff (39%) and emergency medical technicians (38%) and lowest in laboratory technicians (10%) and medicolegal death investigators (11%). Associations were found between seropositivity and exposure to a SARS-CoV-2 positive household member (aOR=3.5), non-Hispanic Black race or ethnicity (aOR=1.5), and severe obesity (aOR=1.3). Consistent glove use was paradoxically associated with increased likelihood of seropositivity (aOR=1.2) which the authors attributed to cross-contamination and improper hand hygiene after glove use; use of other personal protective equipment had no association with seropositivity. 

Sami et al. (Jan 25, 2021). Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in First Responders and Public Safety Personnel, New York City, New York, USA, May-July 2020. Emerging Infectious Diseases. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/27/3/20-4340_article