Abstract
High coronavirus incidence has prompted the Netherlands to implement a second lockdown. To elucidate the epidemic’s development preceding this second wave, we analysed weekly test positivity in public test locations by population subgroup between 1 June and 17 October 2020. Hospitality and public transport workers, driving instructors, hairdressers and aestheticians had higher test positivity compared with a reference group of individuals without a close-contact occupation. Workers in childcare, education and healthcare showed lower test positivity.
Highlights
Discussion and conclusionsOur study’s finding of increased test positivity among workers in the hospitality and public transport sectors, driving instructors, hairdressers and aestheticians has implications for these professionals, and for everyone who is using these services
High coronavirus incidence has prompted the Netherlands to implement a second lockdown
An understanding of the main factors contributing to community transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is urgently needed to inform targeted prevention policies so that further transmission can be controlled while minimising effects on society and the economy
Summary
Our study’s finding of increased test positivity among workers in the hospitality and public transport sectors, driving instructors, hairdressers and aestheticians has implications for these professionals, and for everyone who is using these services. The registration of occupation is relevant for public health policymaking Such data are useful to evaluate COVID-19 mitigation policies and identify sectors that may be eligible for more lenient restrictions or that may require stricter restrictions. The number of tests per 100,000 population, by age group, can be determined based on demographic data. As of 21 September (week 39), essential HCWs and educational personnel received priority testing to facilitate their swift return to work; since this date, the number of tested individuals among HCWs and educational personnel (especially those working in secondary education) increased and the curves for HCWs (in hospital and elsewhere) and educational personnel (secondary and higher) diverged more from the reference group.
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