The present study finds opportunities and justifications, taking into consideration that the nature of professional practice in health needs scientific evidence resulting from systematic and systemic studies to strengthen the basis for the decisions made to have an impact on various levels, from the patient to health management itself. In addition, Cabo Verdean authorities may benefit from new evidence obtained by this study. It intends, in a growing number of health professionals exposed or infected with SARS-CoV-2, in the different health structures of the country, to contribute to substantiate a better perception of the problem and the required solutions. Therefore, assessing the potential risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers will be essential to characterize virus transmission, preventing future infections in them and providing the associated healthcare. Due to the advances and important changes described, questions arise that guide this research and allow us to identify the problem.

The problem is stated in the following starting questions:

What conditions and factors are associated with infection and non-infection by SARS-CoV-2 among health professionals working in the three hospitals on the islands of Santiago and São Vicente? Which are they (gender, age group, profession, type of contact, etc.)? Where do the infected HCW typically work (sector)? When and how did the infection occur? What is the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody in professionals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and in HCW that thought they were not infected by SARS-CoV-2? How long do anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies last? What is the impact of infection on unplanned absenteeism? Which symptoms and complaints (if any) persists after SARS-CoV-2 infection?

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a healthcare professional working in one of the hospitals where the study will take place
• Be aged ≥18 years;
• Cases: SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by PCR test and/or Rapid Antigen Test;
• Control: No evidence and/or record of past infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Case: Confirmation of diagnosis test for SARS-CoV-2 without indication of specimen collection date.
• Control: Suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The population of the study is composed of health professionals working in the Hospitals of the islands of Santiago and S. Vicente.

In addition to measuring infection-related exposures, specific SARS-CoV-2 infection-related parameters will also be assessed, including presence and duration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies; absenteeism due to infection; and self-reported symptomatology due to SARS-CoV-2/ COVID-19 infection. All participants be followed up to measure unplanned, infection-related absenteeism, illness-related symptomatology at 3 of for a period of 6 months. At 6 months after enrollement, all participants will also be assessed, including screening of presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (anti-N and anti-S).