40% of the US adult population were determined to be essential workers under the COVID-19 definition as established by the CISA. 48% of essential workers were found to live with at least one of the three risks and 13% were categorized as living in high-risk households. The authors argue for additional cost-benefit analyses for essential workers and policy implementation that considers the heightened economic vulnerability risks for these workers (e.g. stimulus, healthcare coverage, priority testing).

Limitations

• Definition of high risk may not be universal across other studies or accurately define true risk
• Risk may not be equivalent across essential worker jobs