Were immigrants on the frontline during the lockdown? Evidence from France

Eur J Public Health. 2021 Dec 1;31(6):1278-1281. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab094.

Abstract

In France, immigrants' excess of mortality was higher than natives' during the Spring 2020 lockdown. Were immigrants in frontline jobs and more exposed to Covid-19? Based on a nationally representative survey, we model the probability to work in a frontline job according to migratory status, taking sociodemographic and occupational characteristics into account. Compared to natives (Metropolitan France), being an African immigrant was associated to higher probability to work in a frontline job [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.82 (1.23-2.71)], as well as being born in French Overseas Departments [aOR = 1.64 (1.23-2.18)], reflecting racial division of work and higher Sars-Cov-2 exposure of immigrant and minority populations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Emigrants and Immigrants*
  • France / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2