Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 18, 2021

Controlling Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Essential Workers of Enclosed Food Manufacturing Facilities

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  • [Pre-print, not peer-reviewed] In a quantitative risk assessment model simulating a susceptible worker exposed to a SARS-CoV-2-infected worker during an 8-hour shift at an enclosed food manufacturing facility, infection risk was highest (96%) via droplet and aerosol transmission within 1-3 meters in the absence of any mitigation measures. Droplet transmission contributed mostly at 1 meter distance, while aerosols comprised the majority of the exposure dose by 3 meters. Transmission by fomites was low, even at 1 meter distance (26%). Physical distancing, universal masking, and improving ventilation could reduce risks by up to 91%, 88%, and 85%, respectively; combining strategies could result in <1% infection risk.

Sobolik et al. (May 18, 2021). Controlling Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Essential Workers of Enclosed Food Manufacturing Facilities. Pre-print downloaded May 18 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.05.14.21257244