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COVID-19 outbreak investigation among construction workers at a construction site in Harare, Zimbabwe February - March 2021
Abstract
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.
