Researchers from the University of Arizona are studying front-line workers who have been infected with COVID-19, as well as those workers who are at increased risk of getting infected with the coronavirus.
The goal of the AZ HEROES study is to understand immunity after exposure.
Dr. Jeff Burgess, the associate dean for research at UA’s College of Public Health, will lead the project.
"We know that health care providers, first responders, including corrections, and other essential and front-line workers are at increased risk for exposure to COVID-19."
And Burgess says the study will answer questions such as how frequently are they exposed to the virus and how long does immunity last.
"And we also don't know if you get COVID-19 a second time, if it's going to be better than same as or worse than the first time you got it."
Burgess says they hope to enroll around 4,000 health-care workers, first responders and front-line essential workers as participants across Arizona within four months for this year-long study. The study is funded by a $7.7 million grant from the CDC.
For more information about how to participate in the study, visit: azheroes.arizona.edu
Studies show that up to 40% of individuals with an active infection do not feel sick and do not show systems. The AZ HEROES study enables participants to monitor their health with free weekly tests for active infection, helping to keep their workplace and family safe.
Participants in the study will be provided weekly, self-administered COVID-19 tests for up to nine months. The free weekly testing will allow participants to monitor their health and assess their occupational exposure to COVID-19.
