The Implementation of Environmental Risk Controls at Worksites Experiencing COVID-19 Outbreaks - UK COVID-19 National Core Studies Consortium

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is a highly transmissible virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic, with workplaces frequently being implicated in transmission of the virus. The COVID-OUT study is established to investigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes and risk factors, and their role in COVID-19 outbreaks associated with workplaces. The study is part of the PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study (NCS) on Transmission and the Environment in the UK. Materials and Methods: A series of field investigations of outbreaks has been carried out which include detailed assessments of the physical work environment and the COVID risk controls. The findings of these can be combined with epidemiological and laboratory data to generate hypotheses of the causes of an outbreak and can also be used to support modelling to characterize the relative contribution of transmission routes. Results and Conclusions: Preliminary findings indicate: i) Many workplaces experiencing outbreaks believe that transmission within their workforce predominantly occurs outside the workplace. ii) Social distancing frequently breaks down in manufacturing environments iii) The role of ventilation in preventing virus transmission was poorly understood and many employers had very little information on the adequacy of ventilation in their premises. iv) Carbon dioxide measurement can be an effective method of assessing ventilation, but expertise is required to use this effectively. v) In non-healthcare workplace settings, viral RNA contamination on surfaces is typically low or absent. vi) Most workplaces had implemented enhanced cleaning regimes as a result of the pandemic.