A large study out of a couple of hospitals in Saudi Arabia reveals, at first glance, something a bit counter-intuitive:
"One of the findings that surprised investigators involved the higher risk of COVID-19 infection among support staff, such as administrators, researchers, cleaning and maintenance crews, food service, and security staff. The data showed support staff had a 15.1% chance of contracting COVID-19, compared to all other staff who had a 7.2% chance of contracting the disease. Previous studies suggested that nonclinical staff have lower risk of infection."
Further, "“The finding underscores the importance of strict implementation of preventive measures among all health care works, including those performing nonclinical services,” the study states."
One might think that the risk rates reflect something about working conditions, or preventive measures at work. But we've no way of knowing if the cases were picked up at work, or during the rest of the worker's days. Were support workers (or their families, or their friends) less likely to socially distance, or wear masks, around the house? Or live in more crowded conditions? Or perhaps were not as aware of the deadliness of the virus, not being as able to observe it on a day to day basis as the clinical staff.
Without some way of ferreting out that information, there is little one can conclude from the study. A well designed study would control for all factors not being studied.
In passing, that's why we talk to our janitorial folks about not just what they're doing on the job, but at home as well - as in, get thee vaccinated.
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