[Occupational SARS-CoV-2 risk management for the effective containment of infection chains].

BACKGROUND

During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic it is a priority that employees need to be protected from infection risks and business activities need to be ensured. New virus variants with increased infection risks require an advanced risk strategy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Several standard measures, such as testing, isolation and quarantine are combined to form a novel risk strategy. Epidemiological model calculations and scientific knowledge about the course of SARS-CoV‑2 infectivity are used to optimize this strategy. The procedure is implemented in an easy to use calculator based on Excel.

LAYOUT IN PRACTICE AND RESULTS

Alternative combinations of measures and practical aspects are discussed. Examples of calculations are used to demonstrate the effect of the discussed measures.

CONCLUSION

The quarantine calculator derived from these principles enables even nonspecialists to perform a differentiated risk analysis and to introduce optimized measures. Targeted testing routines and alternative measures ensure staff availability.