HSE to lead study on Covid-19 transmission

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will lead a study to address the transmission of Covid-19 in the environment, including in workplaces, transport and other public settings. The study is part of a national, government-funded Covid-19 research programme and is structured around five themes. Each will be led by a leading scientist in the field: Leeds University professor Cath Noakes, Public Health England biosafety specialist Allan Bennett, Imperial College professor Wendy Barclay, University of Manchester professor Martie van Tongeren and HSE epidemiologist Dr Yiqun Chen.

The seven studies will look at the levels of infection in the general population and in specific settings such as schools and nursing homes, the role of different environments in enhancing spread, and whether antibodies confer protection and for how long. Unions and safety campaigners have been calling for more recognition of the role of airborne and aerosol spread in workplaces.

https://press.hse.gov.uk/2020/11/04/hses-chief-scientific-adviser-welcomes-introduction-of-new-covid-19-research-programme