Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

February 24, 2021

Occupational Exposures and Mitigation Strategies among Homeless Shelter Workers at Risk of COVID-19

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[Pre-print, not peer-reviewed] An online survey of 106 workers at homeless shelters in 17 shelter networks in Washington, Massachusetts, Utah, Maryland and Georgia found that 15% of workers reported testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, with 80% believing they were infected at work. The survey was conducted to assess occupational exposures to SARS-CoV-2, characterize job practices, and assess COVID-19 mitigation measures in the workplace. All shelter networks had implemented at least one prevention measure. Nearly 40% of workers reported having close contact with a person with known SARS-CoV-2 infection and believed the contact occurred at work. Reported frequent close contact with clients was significantly associated with testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (prevalence ratio=3.97). 

Rao et al. (Feb 23, 2021). Occupational Exposures and Mitigation Strategies among Homeless Shelter Workers at Risk of COVID-19. Pre-print downloaded Feb 24 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.02.22.21251646