Workplace contact patterns in England during the COVID-19 pandemic: Analysis of the Virus Watch prospective cohort study.
COVID-19
Epidemiology
Occupation
Public health
Journal
The Lancet regional health. Europe
ISSN: 2666-7762
Titre abrégé: Lancet Reg Health Eur
Pays: England
ID NLM: 101777707
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
May 2022
May 2022
Historique:
pubmed:
28
4
2022
medline:
28
4
2022
entrez:
27
4
2022
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Workplaces are an important potential source of SARS-CoV-2 exposure; however, investigation into workplace contact patterns is lacking. This study aimed to investigate how workplace attendance and features of contact varied between occupations across the COVID-19 pandemic in England. Data were obtained from electronic contact diaries (November 2020-November 2021) submitted by employed/self-employed prospective cohort study participants ( Workplace attendance and contact patterns varied across occupations and time. The predicted probability of intense space sharing during the day was highest for healthcare (78% [95% CI: 75-81%]) and education workers (64% [59%-69%]), who also had the highest probabilities for larger numbers of close contacts (36% [32%-40%] and 38% [33%-43%] respectively). Education workers also demonstrated relatively low predicted probability (51% [44%-57%]) of wearing a face covering during close contact. Across all occupational groups, workspace sharing and close contact increased and usage of face coverings decreased during phases of less stringent restrictions. Major variations in workplace contact patterns and mask use likely contribute to differential COVID-19 risk. Patterns of variation by occupation and restriction phase may inform interventions for future waves of COVID-19 or other respiratory epidemics. Across occupations, increasing workplace contact and reduced face covering usage is concerning given ongoing high levels of community transmission and emergence of variants. Medical Research Council; HM Government; Wellcome Trust.
Sections du résumé
Background
UNASSIGNED
Workplaces are an important potential source of SARS-CoV-2 exposure; however, investigation into workplace contact patterns is lacking. This study aimed to investigate how workplace attendance and features of contact varied between occupations across the COVID-19 pandemic in England.
Methods
UNASSIGNED
Data were obtained from electronic contact diaries (November 2020-November 2021) submitted by employed/self-employed prospective cohort study participants (
Findings
UNASSIGNED
Workplace attendance and contact patterns varied across occupations and time. The predicted probability of intense space sharing during the day was highest for healthcare (78% [95% CI: 75-81%]) and education workers (64% [59%-69%]), who also had the highest probabilities for larger numbers of close contacts (36% [32%-40%] and 38% [33%-43%] respectively). Education workers also demonstrated relatively low predicted probability (51% [44%-57%]) of wearing a face covering during close contact. Across all occupational groups, workspace sharing and close contact increased and usage of face coverings decreased during phases of less stringent restrictions.
Interpretation
UNASSIGNED
Major variations in workplace contact patterns and mask use likely contribute to differential COVID-19 risk. Patterns of variation by occupation and restriction phase may inform interventions for future waves of COVID-19 or other respiratory epidemics. Across occupations, increasing workplace contact and reduced face covering usage is concerning given ongoing high levels of community transmission and emergence of variants.
Funding
UNASSIGNED
Medical Research Council; HM Government; Wellcome Trust.
Identifiants
pubmed: 35475035
doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100352
pii: S2666-7762(22)00045-X
pmc: PMC9023315
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Pagination
100352Subventions
Organisme : Wellcome Trust
Pays : United Kingdom
Organisme : Medical Research Council
ID : MR/V028375/1
Pays : United Kingdom
Informations de copyright
© 2022 The Authors.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
AH serves on the UK New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group. AJ and AH are members of the COVID-19 transmission sub-group of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). AJ is Chair of the UK Strategic Coordination of Health of the Public Research board and is a member of COVID National Core studies oversight group.
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