Protecting Poll Workers Starts with Voters
As early voting continues and Election Day approaches, poll workers are at risk of coming into contact with infected voters.
- By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
- Oct 29, 2020
A voting location in Fort Worth, Texas was closed on October 26 after a poll worker tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
All of the poll workers at the voting location have been quarantined, and a new team of workers is being put together for when the site reopens. This is the third instance in which a poll worker in Tarrant County contracted coronavirus.
It has been recommended that polling places follow protocol such as social distancing, masks, physical barriers and distance markers to help protect poll workers during a time when there will be heavy traffic.
Voters can help protect themselves and poll workers by wearing masks and bringing their own pens.
Poll workers tend to skew older, which could leave them more at risk of contracting coronavirus. To help reduce the level of exposure to germs, poll workers should take breaks in different areas. It is also suggested that they switch out their masks and gloves every few hours.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.