Results on PPE access and impacts of COVID-19 in a diverse population of workers.

Abstract

Background: SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) is the first major pandemic in 100 years. Knowledgeable experts for decades have warned about increasing spillover of novel infectious agents into human populations. The cause is clear: accelerated human encroachment into previously wildland areas reduces natural habitats, forcing new species, some carrying dangerous microbes, into closer contact with people. That this trend would produce a deadly pandemic with quick, uncontrolled spread was considered inevitable. Yet most countries were ill-prepared for the scale and intensity of this viral pandemic, which departed China in January and has reached every country.Methods: An online survey was launched in May 2020 in the US, to document critical needs of frontline workers and the economic and family impacts on all workers, including those laid off and those working remotely. Frontline workers include a wide range of occupations including health care, food production and distribution, warehouses, retail, transportation, firefighting, police and security services, postal service, social services, home care, and some government programs. The survey includes questions about COVID-19 symptoms and testing; contact with infected persons; employment status both prior to and after March 15, industry, changes in employment, contact with the public and with co-workers, access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and other infection control measures implemented by employers; size of household, health of household members, changes to their daily lives; concerns and stresses, including financial; deaths from COVID of relatives, friends, and acquaintances; and knowledge of protective behaviors. The survey is publicized through unions, social media, associations of non-unionized workers, and other outreach.Results: The targeted study population is large and diverse. Access to PPE, handwashing opportunities, and physical distancing will be reported by region, industry, job and demographics.Conclusions: Findings will highlight areas of deficiency or neglect in public health systems and identify industries and jobs of highest vulnerability.