COVID-19 Infections, Pandemic-Related Social and Economic Impacts, and Changes to Mental and Self-Rated Health Among Latinx Immigrant Housecleaners in New York City: The Safe and Just Cleaners Study.

This article focuses on the impacts of COVID-19 infections and related social and economic sequelae on the mental and self-rated health of Latinx immigrant housecleaners in New York City. A follow-up study conducted from March to June 2021 with 296 participants found that 53% reported having had COVID-19, confirmed by antibody testing, and experienced high rates of food and housing insecurity, employment instability, and domestic insecurity. These social and economic stressors, along with COVID-19 infection and related stigma at work, were significantly associated with increased depression, perceived stress, and poorer self-rated health compared to prepandemic measures. The study highlights the lack of a safety net for this vulnerable workforce and underscores the need for inclusive economic support and multisectoral social policies to mitigate health inequities among low-income immigrant workers.