Covid-19 frontline healthcare and essential workers

Featured Publication: Patterns of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among essential workers in long term care and retirement homes

in

Patterns of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among essential workers in long term care and retirement homes in Ontario, Canada: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Link to Full Publication
Link to Protocol

Top 3 highlights:

  • Rising Seroprevalence Over Time: Seroprevalence increased from 24% in 2021 to 44% in 2022, indicating a significant rise in natural infections despite widespread vaccination. This suggests ongoing exposure and transmission risks among essential workers even after the vaccine rollout. 
  • Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities: Black, East/Southeast Asian, and other racialized staff had nearly double the seroprevalence compared to White staff. Staff living in lower-income neighborhoods and COVID-19 hotspots also showed higher infection rates. These disparities highlight systemic inequities in exposure and vulnerability.
  •  Paid Sick Leave Linked to Seropositivity: Surprisingly, staff with access to paid sick leave had higher seroprevalence. This may reflect that those with sick leave were more likely to report illness or had roles with greater exposure, though this finding is descriptive and not causal.

For more information visit the Wellness Hub here.