Table 1 Characteristics of the program

General objective: To develop and implement a pilot initiative to prevent infections and facilitate the early detection of COVID-19 cases to support the safe reopening of micro and small businesses in the city of Antofagasta, in northern Chile (Antofagasta Region).

Specific objectives:

1) Develop and implement an external system to verify the correct implementation of Ministry of Health workplace protocols to prevent COVID-19 infections in participating businesses.

2) Implement an epidemiological surveillance system, using strategies of periodic testing in situ, screening for symptoms, and regularly evaluating high-risk contacts among employees in the participating businesses.

3) Develop and implement a plan to educate and support the participants, in order to increase adherence to the COVID-19 prevention measures.

Location: City of Antofagasta, Antofagasta Region.

Intervention: Multi-component program with interdisciplinary teams who implemented the processes of certification, epidemiological surveillance, community education, and evaluation of the implementation.

Implementation: Recruitment began in businesses that agreed to participate in the program through a registration and informed consent process. Businesses were visited periodically to prepare and implement a plan for safe work environments, and in parallel, workers were tested weekly. When positive cases were identified, workers were given clinical guidance on how manage the quarantine period and symptoms, with referral to health services if required. Additionally, online courses and informal talks were carried out in workplaces to educate businesses and workers about preventing infection and the correct use of personal protective equipment, as well as to provide information about the virus and its behavior.

Evaluation: Indicators were measured on a weekly basis, and the implementation of the program was evaluated using a collaborative mixed-methods study.