Reported Exposure Trends Among HCP: COVID-19 Cases March 2020–March 2021

Posted in COVID-19, Senior Living

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP
Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare

A recent CDC study published in the American Journal of Infection Control on April 13, 2022 provides some interesting information, including these highlights:

  • 83,775 health care personnel COVID-19 cases reported known exposure settings
  • Cases reported health care (52%), household (31%), and community (26%) exposures
  • Health care exposures and community COVID-19 incidence had similar temporal trends
  • Community COVID-19 incidence was associated with health care exposure prevalence

And these conclusions:

“Many reported HCP cases experienced occupational COVID-19 exposures, and higher community COVID-19 incidences were associated with higher health care-associated exposure prevalences. Widespread HCP COVID-19 vaccination is essential to minimize workplace transmissions and safeguard against HCP worker shortages. In addition, adequate training, non-punitive sick leave, screening testing, and other IPC measures should be provided to protect at-risk workers. Reliable PPE availability for all HCP is also needed to minimize occupational exposures during the COVID-19 pandemic and future public health crises.”

You can view the 7-page PDF copy here.  Be sure to review the information beneath Discussion on page 4. Food for thought, to be sure.