Sero-surveillance SARS-CoV-2

Prospective cohort study using serial testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in hospital personnel. Inclusion was stratified into three groups: an exposed (personnel working with COVID-19 patients), intermediate (personnel working with non-COVID-19 patients), and control group (personnel not working in patient care). Serology tests were accompanied with digital surveys on COVID-19 like complaints and exposure to COVID-19 patients during and outside of work activities. By comparing seroconversion percentages between groups we will be able to elucidate whether hospital personnel caring for patients have an increased risk on contracting COVID-19 compared to the control group. The addition of the intermediate group will differentiate whether this increased risk is caused by caring for COVID-19 patients or through spread among personnel, e.g. due to lack of social distancing when working in patient care. Furthermore, we will test for the presence of non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus-antibodies in our cohort and whether this is associated with SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion and COVID-19 disease severity.

1. Hospital personnel working in patient care have a higher chance of contracting COVID-19 due to their contact with COVID-19 patients. Alternatively, 2. Hospital personnel working in patient care have a higher chance of contracting COVID-19 due to a lack of social distancing during their work.

Measurements will take place every 4 weeks for a total number of at least 4 times (except for the intermediate group which is only measured once, during measurement moment 4). Depending on the development of the pandemic (e.g. second and subsequent waves) additional measurements will be planned.

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