Abstract
ObjectiveWe estimated the number of hospital workers in the United States (US) that might be infected or die during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the data in the early phases of the pandemic.MethodsWe calculated infection and death rates amongst US hospital workers per 100 COVID-19-related deaths in the general population based on observed numbers in Hubei, China, and Italy. We used Monte Carlo simulations to compute point estimates with 95% confidence intervals for hospital worker (HW) infections in the US based on each of these two scenarios. We also assessed the impact of restricting hospital workers aged ≥ 60 years from performing patient care activities on these estimates.ResultsWe estimated that about 53,000 hospital workers in the US could get infected, and 1579 could die due to COVID19. The availability of PPE for high-risk workers alone could reduce this number to about 28,000 infections and 850 deaths. Restricting high-risk hospital workers such as those aged ≥ 60 years from direct patient care could reduce counts to 2,000 healthcare worker infections and 60 deaths.ConclusionWe estimate that US hospital workers will bear a significant burden of illness due to COVID-19. Making PPE available to all hospital workers and reducing the exposure of hospital workers above the age of 60 could mitigate these risks.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant loss of life and significant disruption of social and economic structures worldwide [1]
The availability of protective equipment (PPE) for high-risk workers alone could reduce this number to about 28,000 infections and 850 deaths
We estimate that United States (US) hospital workers will bear a significant burden of illness due to COVID19
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant loss of life and significant disruption of social and economic structures worldwide [1]. In the face of restrictions to PPE availability and usage, and reports of deaths, HCWs remain worried about their health and the health and safety of their families [8]. These concerns are not unfounded as the risk of infection, especially during the initial phase of the pandemic, appeared inordinately high, with 20% of hospital workers in Italy becoming infected [3]. While hospital workers without the requisite PPE continue to see patients in many settings, an increasing reluctance to provide care to patients with COVID-19 remains one of the major risks to the global response in the subsequent surges [5, 9,10,11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
