The incidence of COVID-19 in the worker population by economic activity in Navarre, May-December 2020

Abstract

Objective: The early appearance of COVID-19 outbreaks in groups of workers raised con-cerns about the possible existence of occupational risk factors in the transmission of the disease. To identify a possible association between economic work activity of work and risk of ill-ness in order to enable policies for more vulnerable groups of workers. Methods: We present the incidence rates for COVID-19, confirmed through active infection diagnostic testing, by National Economic Activity Code for all workers in Navarra, registered in the social security system, for those divisions with an incidence and number of exposed persons above their respective 75th percentiles. Results: Women and activities in services, food industry and construction, characterised by precarious employment, high presence of immigrants and probably worse living conditions, present a higher risk of becoming ill. Conclusions: The socio-occupational inequalities associated with COVID-19 require an integrated public health and occupational health approach.