CIRANO invited its partners to an exclusive Human Resources Forum on the theme of "What are the risks of transmission of COVID-19 by occupation and industry?".

Marie Connolly, Full Professor in the Department of Economics at the École des sciences de la gestion of the Université du Québec à Montréal, CIRANO Researcher and Fellow, presented a tool for visualizing risks and benefits related to COVID-19 by industrial sector and by occupation.

The tool was adapted for Quebec by two CIRANO Researchers and Professors at ESG UQAM, Marie Connolly and Catherine Haeck, and provides a better understanding of the relationship between the risks of transmission of the virus and the economy. It can be consulted to (1) guide decisions surrounding sector closures related to the second wave and also to (2) help identify occupations at risk within industries and find ways to mitigate these risks. The tool looks at the characteristics of the occupations most likely to spread the virus, as well as the characteristics of the workers themselves and their living environment. A risk index for viral transmission has been calculated for each occupation and integrates different factors such as physical proximity, exposure to disease, contact with others, face-to-face discussions, use of public transit, living in crowded housing or living with a health care worker. Marie Connolly presented the methodology and functionality of the tool as well as some highlights of the data analysis.

This presentation was followed by a period of exchange of ideas, experiences and knowledge with partners.