Frontline healthcare workers are 3 times more likely to test positive for COVID-19

A new study, carried out by King’s College London and Harvard, has discovered that frontline healthcare workers are three times more likely to test positive for the Coronavirus, despite wearing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). As a result of the discovery, specialists are currently requesting sufficient availability and use of PPE, in addition to further plans to help defend workers on the frontline.

The researchers examined data from more than two million people, using the COVID symptom tracker app, including ninety-nine-thousand-seven-hundred and ninety-five healthcare workers on the frontline in the US and UK.

Researchers highlight the value of adequate availability and use of PPE, as well as the essential need for more plans to protect workers on the frontline.

Furthermore, the data also highlighted that workers from Asian, black and minority ethnic backgrounds are more likely to test positive for the Coronavirus, as they have at least a fivefold increase in the chance of infection in comparison to the non-Hispanic white general community.

A lead clinical researcher from King’s College London, Dr Claire Steves, stated: “I’m very pleased we have now introduced masks and social distancing where possible for all interactions in hospitals. This is to protect ourselves and the population we serve. We need to ensure we reinforce and sustain this throughout the health service. This includes in healthcare settings outside of hospitals, for example in care homes. Additional protective strategies are equally as important, such as implementing social distancing among healthcare staff. Stricter protocols for socialising among healthcare staff also needs consideration.”

Dr Mark Graham, Kings College London, Joint First Author, stated: “The work is important in the context of the widely reported higher death rates amongst healthcare workers from BAME backgrounds. Hopefully, a better understanding of the factors contributing to these disparities will inform efforts to better protect workers.”