WORKERS MOST AT RISK OF INFECTION

The US Department of Labour has a comprehensive database of over 900 occupations that can be accessed online. The characteristics of different occupations are described such as physical proximity to others, exposure to infection, if and how often a telephone is used, and how often a job requires you to bend; and scores are assigned to these and other job features. 

This report from the NYT presents, in graphic form, the workers most at risk from infection due to proximity to others. But you can also search the exposure risk factor for any job.

Drawing on data from the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the report also highlights that workers in a number of high risk occupations earn less than the national median wage. Many in low paying jobs (as in the gig economy) do not have access to paid sick leave or personal leave, and, if infected, are most likely to continue to work in order to avoid poverty.

Similarly, workers in low paying jobs are least likely to have the option of working from home.

This labour market information report makes for some useful, interesting, and sobering reading.