AZ HEROES FAQ

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is highly infectious and is spread mostly through respiratory droplets in the air. Those droplets are present when you cough, talk, or breathe. People who are infected can become very sick or even die. Many people who become infected do not have any symptoms, but they can still pass the virus to others around them.

Who is eligible to participate in AZ HEROES?

Participants must be between the ages of 18 and 85 years old and speak either English or Spanish.
Participants must be currently working 30 hours a week as a healthcare personnel, a first responder, frontline, or essential worker.

Who are essential workers?

Essential Workers are people who work in healthcare, fire fighters, and emergency medical staff. They also include casino workers, office workers, and people who work in gas stations and grocery stores.

Why are essential workers at increased risk?

Essential workers are at an increased risk because they are often exposed to members of the public.

What will participants receive?

What will participants be doing? What is the process / timeline?

Complete weekly surveys and weekly self-administered COVID-19 respiratory tests for up to 9 months.
Participants will go to a desgnated location for a blood draw 3-4 times to test for antibodies.

Will my biological samples be used for any other research?

No. The blood samples and respiratory swabs will not be used for any other research purpose.

Who is funding this project?

This project is a collaboration between the Centers for Disase Control (CDC) and The University of Arizona College of Public Health.

What does the acronym AZ-HEROES stand for?

It means Arizona Healthcare, Emergency Response, and Other Essential Workers Surveillance Study.

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