The Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health recently conducted a survey regarding the impact of COVID-19 on frontline workers.
Research Associate Cassandra Bryant said just under 160 frontline workers responded to the survey that looked specifically at fear and uncertainty brought on by the pandemic and then what supports people used to address those issues.
Bryant said many were concerned about the potential for infection for themselves, as well as fear of bringing infection home.
"We are looking at fear and uncertainty. Fear of infection for themselves, fear of infection to their family members, because they are going out to their workplace and coming home. Some have isolated themselves from their family because of that." said Bryant.
She adds many also had concerns about the personal protective equipment that ranged from the discomfort of wearing for long periods of time, the quality and availability of the equipment and the time it took to put it on in the event of a medical emergency.
Burnout was also a concern as a result of working so many hours.
As far as support, fewer than 14 per cent of those surveyed said they turned to formal support to deal with their stress.
"When we asked about informal support, relying on your community, family and friends, that social network, getting outdoors, whatever it may be, just over 71 per cent said that's what they were doing," added Bryant.
