Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in First Responders and Public Safety Personnel, New York City, New York, USA, May–July 2020

RESEARCHC oronavirus disease (COVID-19) was recognized in New York City (NYC), New York, USA, in late February 2020 and had spread throughout the community by March 2020 (1).First responders and public safety personnel have played a critical role in the COVID-19 pandemic response.Understanding the occupational risks for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is vital for designing workplace prevention protocols to reduce transmission.Serologic surveys can identify the prevalence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in the population.We conducted a serologic survey to estimate SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence among first responders, public safety personnel, and other public service workers in NYC.The study objectives were to determine the prevalence of IgG against SARS-CoV-2 and to examine associations between characteristics and occupational exposures and previous infection among workers in emergency response and public safety settings. MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was conducted during May 18-July 2, 2020, in the 5 NYC boroughs: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx.The Institutional Review Board of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) human subjects research officials determined this activity to be public health surveillance as defined in 45 CFR 46.102(l) (2).Adults >18 years of age working onsite in a public service agency were eligible to participate, including