Risk factors associated with an outbreak of COVID-19 in a meat processing plant in southern Germany, April to June 2020

Abstract

Meat processing plants have been prominent hotspots for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreaks around the world. We describe infection prevention measures and risk factors for infection spread at a meat processing plant in Germany with a COVID-19 outbreak from April to June 2020. We analysed a cohort of all employees and defined cases as employees with either a PCR or ELISA positive result. Of 1,270 employees, 453 (36%) had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The highest attack rates were observed in meat processing and slaughtering areas. Multivariable analysis revealed that being a subcontracted employee (adjusted risk ratio (aRR)): 1.43, 95% CI: 1.06–1.96), working in the meat cutting area (aRR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.45–4.48), working in the slaughtering area (aRR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.32–4.45) and being a veterinary inspector (aRR: 4.77, 95% CI: 1.16–23.68) increased infection risk. Sharing accommodation or transportation were not identified as risk factors for infection. Our results suggest that workplace was the main risk factor for infection spread. These results highlight the importance of implementing preventive measures targeting meat processing plants. Face masks, distancing, staggering breaks, increased hygiene and regular testing for SARS-CoV2 helped limit this outbreak, as the plant remained open throughout the outbreak.

A Comprehensive Sampling Study on SARS-CoV-2 Contamination of Air and Surfaces in a Large Meat Processing Plant Experiencing COVID-19 Clusters in June 2020

“…[23][24][25] Although percentages can be higher as observed in specific settings like single-family clusters (95% confidence interval, 26% to 44%) 24 and certain occupational populations 26 including German meat plant workers. 27 SARS-CoV-2 RNA can remain detectable in swabs from the upper respiratory tract a couple of weeks after onset of infection. 28 As workers who tested positive were followed up and no clear symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 had developed, the pre-symptomatic scenario seems unlikely.…”

“…In several countries worldwide, [9][10][11][12]27,46 meat processing plants have been researched typically by outbreak investigations involving questionnaires and sampling of workers. The reported COVID-19 policies of the meat processing plants [9][10][11][12]27,46 were a combination of measures directed at mitigating direct transmission and transmission via air and fomites. Quantifying the risk (absolute and relative) of each transmission route remains elusive especially as it will differ between facilities (eg, due to differences in layout, ventilation system, and airflow) and also will be varying over time per facility (eg, due to differences in measures implemented, human behavior, and viral strains involved).…”

“…In several countries worldwide, [9][10][11][12]27,46 meat processing plants have been researched typically by outbreak investigations involving questionnaires and sampling of workers. The reported COVID-19 policies of the meat processing plants [9][10][11][12]27,46 were a combination of measures directed at mitigating direct transmission and transmission via air and fomites.…”

Effects of return-to-office, public schools reopening, and vaccination mandates on COVID-19 cases among municipal employee residents of New York City

“…12 COVID-19 outbreaks have been documented across various worksite settings. [13][14][15] In California, where employer reporting of workplace COVID-19 outbreaks was mandated, the public administration sector (including correctional, police, and fire services) had the highest incidence of reported workplace outbreaks through August 2021. 16 Given the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions for COVID-19, [17][18][19] we assessed whether the mandates achieved their objectives with respect to minimizing workplace transmission among NYC employees.…”

Effects of Return-to-Office, Public Schools Reopening, and Vaccination Mandates on COVID-19 Cases Among Municipal Employee Residents of New York City

“…13 COVID-19 outbreaks have been documented across various worksite settings. [14][15][16] In California, where employer reporting of workplace COVID-19 outbreaks was mandated, the public administration sector (including correctional, police, and fire services) had the highest incidence of reported workplace outbreaks through August 2021. 17 Given the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions for COVID-19, [18][19][20] we assessed whether the mandates achieved their objectives with respect to minimizing workplace transmission among NYC employees.…”