Health care workers on the frontlines of COVID-19 in Mexico.

Dear Editor

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, infection among health care workers (HCWs) on the frontlines has been common. HCWs have been increasingly exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), long working hours, psychological distress, fatigue, occupational burnout, stigma, and physical and psychological violence hazards. , Factors associated with HCWs SARS-CoV-2 infection have included longer duty hours (>10 h/day), lack of adherence to infection prevention and control measures, and improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Mexican health authorities on August 23, 2020 reported 97,632 infections with SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs (42% and 27% were nurses and physicians, respectively), representing 17.8% (97,632/549,734) of all infections at that time. , Of those infected HCWs, a total of 1,320 (1.4%) died from COVID-19. Despite the efforts made by employers/health authorities to provide PPE to HCWs, the prevalence of infections with SARS-CoV-2 in HCWs in Mexico is higher than that reported by other countries such as the United States of America (3.3%[143,100/4,296,060], p<0.001) and Brazil (7.6%[268,954/3,532,330], p<0.001).

Health care workers can be infected in the community, and in interactions with colleagues and such infections are therefore not always the result of acquisition from infected patients. During the pandemic, both employers/health authorities and HCWs should join efforts to decrease the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The responsibilities of the employer and HCWs during the pandemic or any health crisis include but are not limited to:

Employer responsibilities

ensure that all necessary preventive and protective measures are taken to minimize occupational safety and health risks;

training on infection prevention and control;

provide adequate infection prevention and control and PPE supplies;

provide appropriate security measures as needed for personal safety;

maintain appropriate working hours with breaks; duty hour restrictions (less than 10 h/day) should be considered;

honor the right to compensation, rehabilitation, and curative services for health workers infected with COVID-19 following exposure in the workplace;

provide access to mental health and counselling resources.

HCWs responsibilities

treat patients with respect, compassion, and dignity;

follow established occupational safety and health procedures, avoid exposing others to health and safety risks;

participate in employer-provided occupational safety and health training;

use provided protocols to assess, triage, and treat patients;

put on, use, take off, and dispose of PPE properly;

self-monitor for signs of illness; self-isolate and report illness to managers if it occurs;

advise management if they are experiencing signs of undue stress or mental health challenges that require supportive interventions.

In conclusion, to obtain better results during the pandemic, it is necessary to work responsibly, collaboratively, and in solidarity.