Poll worker looking for clarity on risks

Dear Dr. Roach: I have worked at the election polls in a schoolgymfor years and know that presidential elections bring out close to 2,000 voters in my precinct. Most of my fellow workers are 70 and older. I am the youngest at 60. Is it safe for us towork over 15 hours while exposed to so many people even ifwe get masks and gloves?

Is it safe for 30-year-olds to work? My son says he could takemy place if I don’t work, but he is currently living at home. Wouldn’t he need to quarantine for two weeks after working? — M.D.

The risk of getting COVID-19 depends on three major factors: the concentration of virus; howclose you are to a source; and the amount of time you spend there. Polling places have always been indoors, making the concentration of virus potentially high.

Poll workers can dramatically reduce their risk by using personal protective equipment. Everyone can get some protection by having ALL voters REQUIRED towear masks and by ensuring as much distance as possible.

Health care workers taking care of people with known COVID-19wear multiple layers of personal protective equipment. Gloves are changed after every interaction and then hand hygiene is performed. This combination is very effective, but the best PPE can be hard to find. I would obtain PPE now. Multilayer cloth masks provide protection.

A 30-year-old and a 60-year-old have about the samerisk, but a 30-year-old has much lower chance of having a severe complication.

The question of quarantine is one of local guidelines, and my advice would depend on the prevalence in your area.

While health care workers go into the field understanding that there may be some risk, poll workers should not have to. I support efforts to minimize in-person voting.