HEALTH

Protecting workers from the heat at COVID-19 testing centers

Jul 31, 2020, 6:21 PM | Updated: 6:46 pm

heat COVID-19...

A new federal study is finding that since COVID-19 hit Utah workplaces, almost 75% of infected workers have been Latinos or other minorities. (PHOTO: Meghan Thackery, KSL TV)

(PHOTO: Meghan Thackery, KSL TV)

SALT LAKE CITY – The weekend’s heat wave is expected to bring dangerous temperatures all over the state.  The triple-digit heat is causing a lot of problems for workers in COVID-19 testing centers across Utah, but health officials are coming up with new ways to keep their employees cool.

COVID-19 testing in the heat 

In order to prevent the virus from spreading indoors, most COVID-19 testing facilities are outside.  People drive up to the nurses and lab technicians, get a nasal swab, then wait to get their results.  While the driver is sitting comfortably in their air-conditioned car, the workers are standing outside in the heat. 

University of Utah Ambulatory Senior Nursing Director Nikki Gilmore said the heat becomes nearly unbearable when you have to wear a plastic gown to keep you from becoming infected.

“Just imagine yourself outside, in 100 degrees, wrapped in Saran Wrap,” she described.

(Credit: Meghan Thackery, KSL TV)

Many things can go wrong in a testing facility when the workers get too hot.  Not only can they become physically sick, but Gilmore says they can easily get confused or disoriented.  If they want to keep body temperatures at a safe level, workers have to do more than just take a five-minute break and grab some water.

“It’s not enough just to stand in the shade for a minute.  That’s going to take your body temperature down just a couple of degrees.  You really have to go get in front of some AC and get some ice to really get your body temperature down,” according to Gilmore.

Keeping cool 

One of the most effective tools they have developed are the cooling vest workers can wear while they’re outside.  The vests are similar to what professional athletes wear in hot states like Florida.

“The cooling vests, they have ice packs in them.  They last about an hour and we’ve got ample supplies of ice packs so the staff can switch those out and change those out as we go,” explained the University of Utah Health Senior Director of Facilities and Engineering Jerry North.

On top of that, workers are required to take breaks every hour.  North said this is something most nurses and lab techs might not do unless they were required to.

“They want to keep going,” said North. ” They want to take care of our community and the people who are coming through these testing locations.”

North said they can’t place large fans inside the testing tents because they would spread the virus.  If the testing centers are still required in the winter, North said they’ll have to figure out ways to keep workers warm in the bitter cold.

 

RELATED LINKS

Doctors “cautiously optimistic” Utah COVID-19 cases are plateauing 

Some Davis County School District parents asking for full class schedule again

Fauci to tell House panel “unclear” how long pandemic lasts

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Health

Myrtle Spurge is often touted as deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, but the plant is rapidly inva...

Eliza Pace

Salt Lake County Health warns of harmful myrtle spurge plant

Myrtle spurge was originally introduced to Utah as a decorative plant but is an invasive species that has spread to natural areas.

12 hours ago

Dairy cows across the country, specifically in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico are getting sick with a...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Cows across the country are getting sick with a “flu-like” illness

Utah is altering the requirements for livestock brought into the state after multiple cows across the country have gotten sick with a flu-like illness.  

23 hours ago

Over 30% of people in Utah are considred prediabetic because of the amount of soda they drink....

Amanda Dickson

Is Utah’s soda obsession behind our levels of prediabetes?

Here in Utah, our soda drinking habits might be making us particularly at risk for prediabetes and diabetes.

1 day ago

A hand holds a tablet stamped with "MF," standing for mifepristone....

CNN

Study shows how self-managed abortion became more common, as Supreme Court abortion drug hearing looms

Medication abortion has become increasingly common since it first became available in the United States two decades ago.

2 days ago

Small screens...

Don Brinkerhoff

Small screens impacting the mental health of kids says study

The increased use of small screens by kids and teens may be linked to increased mental health issues according to a study.

2 days ago

bottles of prescription medication at a desk. 16.2% of Utahns are unable to get the prescription me...

Tammy Kikuchi and Emma Keddington

Utah ranks second in the nation for prescription medication shortages

The hardest prescription medication to get is for ADHD, cancer and high blood pressure.

3 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Protecting workers from the heat at COVID-19 testing centers