key: cord-0787938-ox1rt5qq authors: Martins-Filho, P. R.; da Silva, D. N.; dos Santos, D. M.; Rezende, M. S.; Silva, J. P. R.; da Silva Neto, J. B.; Schimieguel, D. M.; Quintans-Junior, L. J.; Quintans, J. d. S. S.; Nunes, P. S.; de Sousa Araujo, A. A. title: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in broadcast media workers date: 2021-05-02 journal: nan DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.29.21256360 sha: 6754586e110fe0dce3f8537af01f1514b8d59507 doc_id: 787938 cord_uid: ox1rt5qq In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in workers of radio and television (TV) in Sergipe state, Northeast Brazil. The study was conducted from December 1 to December 20, 2020, considered the beginning of the second wave of COVID-19 in the state. Our findings showed a high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in radio and TV workers, especially among those in the production and operation teams. Prevention and control protocols against COVID-19 should be revised and implemented by media companies. Broadcast media workers should be prioritized in COVID-19 vaccine strategies. The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as an unprecedented challenge for journalism activity. 1 Apart from the uncertainty about job security, broadcast media workers are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the daily routine of reporting in the field. Recently, the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) -an international independent nonprofit and non-governmental organizationreported that more than 700 journalists died from COVID-19 in 72 countries since March 2020. Peru ranks first in the number of deaths (135), followed by Brazil (129) and Mexico (90) (https://www.pressemblem.ch/pec-news.shtml). To the best of our knowledge, no seroepidemiological studies were conducted analyzing the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in broadcast media including workers of radio and television (TV). Surveillance of antibody seropositivity can allow to quantify the extent of infection in a population and proportion of people that remains susceptible to the virus. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in radio and TV workers in Sergipe state, Northeast Brazil. The study was conducted from December 1 to December 20, 2020, considered the beginning of the second wave of COVID-19 in the state. After obtaining written informed consent to participate, individuals were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that included demographic and clinical features. Then, venous blood was collected aseptically using venipuncture and a fluorescence immunoassay (FIA) (iChroma II, BioSys (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. The copyright holder for this preprint this version posted May 2, 2021. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.04.29.21256360 doi: medRxiv preprint described close contact with people presenting SARS-CoV-2 infection in the last two weeks of the serological assay and the use of facial mask during work activities was reported in most cases (n = 110, 97.3%). Twenty-eight broadcast media workers had detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (11 IgM+, 6 IgM+/ IgG+, and 11 IgG+) and the estimated seroprevalence was 24.7% (95% CI 17.7 -33.5). There was no statistical difference in the seroprevalence between occupational activities (p = 0.715), but OT (27.6%, 95% CI 14.7 -45.7) and PT (25.8%, 95% CI 16.6 -37.9) presented higher estimates than RT (18.2%, 95% CI 7.3 -38.5) ( Table 1) . Despite the massive interest in social networking services for information sharing and Internet use, traditional media remains the most important channel through which COVID-19 information is communicated. 2 Faced with the need for real-time coverage of COVID-19 information in several settings, broadcast media workers are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Ensuring that a media worker has the personal protective equipment (PPE) and support they need to work safely has become critical during this unprecedented global sanitary crisis. In this study, we found a high seroprevalence estimate in radio and TV workers and a large proportion of individuals with serological results suggestive of active phase or recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings indicate a high exposure of broadcast media workers to the SARS-CoV-2 and the circulation of these individuals in the work environment unaware that they are infected with the virus. It has been shown that SARS-CoV-2 may spread asymptomatically in a population even under social distancing restrictions. 3 Interesting, our results showed a lower seroprevalence for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among journalists, reporters, and videographers of broadcast media. It is possible that RT, considered the high-risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infection, is more careful regarding COVID-19 protective measures due to the need for contact with the external public during work activities. In contrast, PT and OT usually work inside TV newsrooms which may increase the risk of infection in an indoor environment. There is evidence that closed indoor spaces with minimal ventilation rate provide an ideal environmental for SARS-CoV-2 transmission. 4, 5 This study showed a high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in radio and TV workers, especially among those in the production and operation teams. Prevention and control protocols against COVID-19 should be revised and implemented by media companies. Broadcast media workers should be prioritized in COVID-19 vaccine strategies. Further seroepidemiological studies should evaluate the exposure of freelancers and print and digital media professionals to SARS-CoV-2 infection. All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission. (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. IgM+ 11 (9.7%) 7 (11.3%) 2 (9.1%) 2 (6.9%) IgM+/IgG+ 6 (5.3%) 4 (6.5%) 0 2 (6.9%) IgG+ 11 (9.7%) 5 (8.1%) 2 (9.1%) 4 (13.8%) Seroprevalence (CI 95%) 24.7 (17.7 -33.5) 25.8 (16.6 -37.9) 18.2 (7.3 -37.9) 27.6 (14.7 -45.7) All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission. (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. Media and Misinformation in Times of COVID-19: How People Informed Themselves in the Days Following the Portuguese Declaration of the State of Emergency Longitudinal Evidence of How Media Audiences Differ in Public Health Perceptions and Behaviors During a Global Pandemic Asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 in a confined adult community population in Quebec: A cross-sectional study Mobility network models of COVID-19 explain inequities and inform reopening Environmental factors involved in SARS-CoV-2 transmission: effect and role of indoor environmental quality in the strategy for COVID-19 infection control To all frontline workers who are facing the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is part of the EpiSERGIPE project which is supported by grant SES/FAPESE/UFS 001/2020. The funding sources had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data; preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript; and the decision to submit the manuscript for publication. The authors have declared no conflicts of interest.