COVID-19 outbreak investigation among construction workers at a construction site in Harare, Zimbabwe February - March 2021 Amanda Sarah Thakataka, Joseph
Introduction: On February 16, 2021, a construction site in Harare recorded 26 COVID-19 cases during routine worker screening. Over five days, the positivity rate increased from 4.14 to 7.29%. Workplace outbreaks affect productivity. We investigated the outbreak among construction workers to deter...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
African Field Epidemiology Network
2024-04-01
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| Series: | Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.afenet-journal.net/content/article/7/17/full/ |
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| Summary: | Introduction: On February 16, 2021, a construction site in Harare recorded 26
COVID-19 cases during routine worker screening. Over five days, the positivity rate
increased from 4.14 to 7.29%. Workplace outbreaks affect productivity. We
investigated the outbreak among construction workers to determine the workplace
factors associated with contracting COVID-19. Methods: We verified the outbreak,
carried out an environmental assessment, line-listed the positive workers, and assessed
the emergency preparedness and response. A retrospective cohort study was done. We
recruited 150 workers from all 700 construction workers, obtained written consent and
used self-administered questionnaires to collect data. Epi Info 7.2.4.0™ was used for
data capturing and analysis. We conducted a univariate, bivariate and multivariate
analysis using forward stepwise logistic regression to determine the independent
factors. An Epi-curve was constructed using Epi Info and a spot map using Lucid Chart
software. Results: The response was timely but inadequate. There was overcrowding
with a sleeping space area of 1.43m2/individual against a minimum requirement of
3.5 m2/individual. Out of 150, 76 (51%) tested positive, most being male, 106/150
(71%). Independent risk factors were smoking >20 cigarettes/day (aRR=8.42; 95% CI
2.02-35.10) and sharing bathrooms and toilets with >50 people (aRR=4.28; 95% CI
1.27-14.4). Owning a hand sanitiser (aRR=0.20; 95% CI 0.06-0.67) and prior
vaccination (aRR=0.16; 95% CI 0.05-0.48) were protective factors.
Conclusion: Overcrowding resulted in poor hygiene and shared facilities propagated
the outbreak. The benefit of preventive behaviour and COVID-19 vaccination was
shown. We recommended for enforcement of infection prevention measures and the
reduction of exposures in the workplace.
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| ISSN: | 2664-2824 |