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Hospital Laundry Workers Fear Their Infection Risk Is Rising

Handling soiled linens from overwhelmed hospitals, some complain their companies aren’t providing adequate coronavirus protection.

Laundry Businesses Struggle During Pandemic

Photographer: David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe/Getty Images

Workers at a leading commercial laundry firm that cleans sheets for some of New York City’s biggest hospitals say every day on the job places them at greater risk of Covid-19 infection.

Industry CEOs from all over the U.S. voiced concern earlier this month about potential outbreaks, too. As a critical component of a healthcare system buckling under the strain of a nationwide surge, commercial laundry companies have become essential in the fight against the pandemic.