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COVID-19 Exposure Among First Responders in Arizona
Vershalee Shukla1, Christine S M Lau, Mikayla Towns
1Vincere Cancer Center, Scottsdale, Arizona (Dr Shukla, Dr Lau, Ms Towns, Ms Mayer, Dr Prichard); Phoenix Fire Department, City of Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona (Fire Chief Kalkbrenner, Fire Captain Beuerlein); United Phoenix Firefighters Association, Phoenix, Arizona (Fire Captain Beuerlein).
COVID-19 exposure rates are low among Arizona first responders at 1.50%. Antibody testing helped ease first responders' work-related anxieties, despite concerns about the virus.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Arizona is experiencing a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, leading the nation.
- The extent of COVID-19 exposure among first responders in Arizona was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the rates of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among first responders in Arizona.
- To analyze first responders' attitudes towards the impact of COVID-19 on their work-life and the benefits of antibody testing.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted involving 3326 first responders in Arizona.
- SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody testing was performed.
- Surveys assessed first responders' views on COVID-19's impact and antibody testing.
Main Results:
- Out of 3326 first responders, 50 (1.50%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies.
- A majority of first responders (62.5%) believed antibody testing would alleviate work-related anxieties.
- Most (60.6%) found antibody testing beneficial for their work-life balance.
Conclusions:
- The rate of COVID-19 exposure among Arizona first responders is low at 1.50%.
- COVID-19 remains a significant concern for many first responders.
- Antibody testing proved beneficial in reducing anxieties related to work duties.
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