Study Illustrates Grocery Store Workers At High Risk of Coronavirus Infection
Grocery store employees are among the essential workers who are most exposed to the coronavirus.
- By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
- Nov 02, 2020
A study published in the Occupational and Environmental Medicine journal on October 29 revealed that grocery store workers who interact with customers are severely at risk of contracting COVID-19, according to CNN.
This study conducted in Boston back in May is the first of its kind. It analyzes the rate of asymptomatic infection, exposure risks and psychological factors experienced by 104 grocery store employees.
Per the study, many grocery store workers have been infected but were unaware of it because they were asymptomatic. Twenty percent of the workers who were tested for coronavirus received a positive result despite the fact that 91% of workers wore face masks while working.
A prevalent factor in the findings was the workers’ inability to social distance at work. Only 66% of respondents reported being able to do so.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.