COVID-19 exposure in SARS-CoV-2-seropositive hospital staff members during the first pandemic wave at Strasbourg University Hospital, France

Abstract Objectives. Strasbourg University Hospital faced an important COVID-19 first wave, from early March 2020. We performed a longitudinal prospective cohort study to describe clinical and virological data, exposure history to COVID-19, and adherence to strict hygiene standards during the first pandemic wave in 1,497 workers undergoing a SARS-CoV-2 serological test at our hospital, with a follow up of serology result three months later. Patients and Methods. 1,497 patients were enrolled from April 6 to May 7, 2020. Antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 was measured, and COVID-19 exposure routes were analyzed according to SARS-CoV-2 serological status. Results. 515 patients (34.4%) were seropositive, mainly medical students (13.2%) and assistant nurses (12.0%). A history of COVID-19 exposure in a professional and/or private setting was mentioned by 83.1% of seropositive subjects (p Conclusion. Infection of staff members during the first pandemic wave in our hospital occurred after both professional and private COVID-19 exposure, underlining the importance of continuous training in strict hygiene standards.