NIOSH Risk-Based Model to Resume Field Research and Public Health Service in 2020 During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Am J Public Health. 2022 Aug;112(8):1138-1141. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2022.306882. Epub 2022 Jun 16.

Abstract

In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, field research and public health service work conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) was put on hold. During this time, NIOSH developed a risk-based model to resume fieldwork, balancing the public health benefit of such fieldwork with the risks of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 exposure and transmission. We describe our experiences with this model, along with the broader public health significance of the methods used to inform risk management decisions. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(8):1138-1141. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306882).

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Health Services
  • Humans
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S.
  • Occupational Health*
  • Pandemics
  • United States / epidemiology