COVID-19 Infection Among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Healthcare Hospital

Abstract

Purpose: SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 virus was the culprit of the global pandemic that began in 2019. With alarming mortality rates reaching sky-high worldwide, the virus prompted the masses to switch to online working. However, this was not feasible for healthcare workers (HCWs) exposed to a higher-than-normal risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection. This study aims to observe the prevalence of COVID-19 positivity among the various areas of a healthcare facility in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study of positive employees among all departments at a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, such as administration, capital projects/facilities, and healthcare. The study included all hospital employees-permanent staff, rotating physicians, and trainees-who tested positive for COVID-19 between March 20, 2020 and December 30, 2020. Results: It was found that HCWs had the most significant number of infected individuals with nursing staff being the predominant demographic. This was followed by the capital projects/facilities departments, of which the environmental services staff were the most infected. Conclusion: It is pertinent that strict protocols be taken by hospital management to limit the spread of future infectious diseases within hospital settings. This includes the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adequate education on its proper usage, alongside regular surveillance of staff with regard to adherence and early detection of symptoms.