Surveillance and return to work of healthcare workers following SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection, Sheffield, England, 17 January to 7 February 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has challenged demands to minimise workplace transmission in healthcare settings while maintaining adequate staffing. Policymakers have shortened COVID-19 isolation periods, although little real-world data have evaluated the utility. Our findings from surveillance of 240 healthcare workers from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, England, show that 55% of affected staff could return before day io of isolation with over 25% eligible on day 6, pending two successive negative antigen tests. This outcome is favourable for continuity of healthcare services.

Automated summary

Our surveillance of 240 healthcare workers from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, England, shows that more than half of the affected staff can return to work before day 10 of isolation, and over 25% are eligible on day 6, pending two successive negative antigen tests. This is favorable for maintaining continuity of healthcare services.