SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Community Health Workers in India Before and After Use of Face Shields
- 1Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Porur, Chennai, India
- 2Community Research Network, Saligramam, Chennai, India
The transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is believed to be predominantly through respiratory droplets from infected persons in close proximity to uninfected persons,1 although airborne transmission may also play a role.2,3 Face shields have been proposed to prevent transmission in the community,4 but data are lacking. We describe transmission in a community setting before and after the use of face shields.
Before face shields, 62 workers (40 women) visited 5880 homes with 31 164 persons. From the 5880 homes visited, 222 persons tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, between May 4 to May 13. Twelve workers (19%) were infected during this period. Eight developed symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, myalgia, and anosmia) and 4 were asymptomatic. The 12 infected workers were moved to care centers. Four developed desaturation and mild breathing difficulty and were treated with oral hydroxychloroquine and oxygen therapy; all 4 recovered. Contact tracing of the workers who tested positive identified 14 van drivers, who were monitored. All were asymptomatic and tested negative between day 7 and 10 after contact with the workers.
After face shields, 50 workers (previously uninfected) continued to provide counseling, visiting 18 228 homes. Among the counseled, 118 428 persons, 2682 subsequently tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. No worker developed asymptomatic or symptomatic infection.
so to protect others wear a MASK
to protect yourself wear a FACE SHIELD
May Chango protect you as well..I knew an Indian jewish lady who hesitated not to pray at christian or hindu temples and when I asked her why she did that, she answered, I am making sure i have better insurance
so take care of yourself during this time and may EVERYTHING protect you ..