Evaluating COVID-19 Risk to Essential Workers by Occupational Group: A Case Study in Massachusetts

• DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01249-x
• Publication Date: 2023-07-29T02:01:37Z
• Authors: Beth M. Haley; Prasad Patil; Jonathan I. Levy; Keith R. Spangler; Koen F. Tieskens; Fei Carnes; Xiaojing Peng; R. Monina Klevens; T. Scott Troppy; M. Patricia Fabian; Kevin J. Lane; Jessica H. Leibler
• Keywords: Census tract; Rate ratio; American Community Survey

Abstract Occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 varies by profession, but “essential workers” are often considered in aggregate COVID-19 models. This aggregation complicates efforts understand risks specific types of workers or industries and target interventions, specifically towards non-healthcare workers. We used census tract-resolution American Community Survey data develop novel essential worker categories among the occupations designated as Essential Services Massachusetts. Census cases deaths were provided Massachusetts Department Public Health. evaluated association between over two phases pandemic from March 2020 February 2021 using adjusted mixed-effects negative binomial regression, controlling for other sociodemographic risk factors. observed elevated case incidence tracts highest tertile construction/transportation/buildings maintenance (Phase 1: IRR 1.32 [95% CI 1.22, 1.42]; Phase 2: IRR: 1.19 [1.13, 1.25]), production 1.23 [1.15, 1.33]; 1.18 [1.12, 1.24]), public-facing sales services 1.14 [1.07, 1.21]; 1.10 [1.06, 1.15]). found reduced associated with greater percentage able work home 0.85 [0.78, 0.94]; 0.83 [0.77, 0.88]). Similar trends exist associations deaths, though attenuated. Estimating industry-specific is important targeting interventions diseases our provide a reproducible straightforward way support such efforts.