This preprint paper, produced by researchers from Theme 1 and Theme 4 of the PROTECT study, details an investigation of a COVID-19 outbreak that took place in a public-facing office in England from August to September 2021. As part of the COVID-OUT project within Theme 1, the researchers conducted a comprehensive investigation involving environmental sampling and worker questionnaires.

The attack rate of the outbreak was 55%, meaning 22 of 40 workers were infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The results of the investigation affirmed the utility of surface sampling to identify deficiencies in virus control measures, and the importance of using site-specific risk assessments with multi-layered COVID-19 control strategies.

Note this article is a preprint and has not yet been formally peer-reviewed.

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