ABSTRACT
Study design: Hospital personnel with contact to COVID-19 patients is regarded to be at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infections. So far, there is no longitudinal data on the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare personnel working within clinical COVID-19 risk-areas compared to non-exposed personnel and considering the intensity of exposure, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the regional infection rate of new infections. Therefore, a repetitive cross-sectional study of the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in a risk and a control group within a German university hospital specialized in the care of COVID-19 patients was performed. Methods: From May to November 2020, healthcare personnel working within risk areas of a German university hospital and controls were regularly tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Furthermore, participants were interviewed on COVID-19 exposure, symptoms, and the use of PPE. Results: In total, 199 persons (106 (53.3%) working in risk-areas and 93 (46.7%) controls) participated, corresponding to 77.4% of all healthcare- workers in risk-areas of the hospital. No participant in either group was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in any of the 984 tests performed. Antibody incidence did not differ between the groups. Upon contact with COVID- 19 patients, FFP-2/KN95-masks or higher standard were always used, while other PPE (e.g., gloves) were used inconsistently. Symptoms did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: The incidence of SARSCoV- 2 infection in healthcare staff working in clinical COVID-19 risk areas using PPE, especially FFP-2/KN95- masks, is not increased compared to non-exposed controls. © 2021 mhp-Verlag GmbH. All rights reserved.