Introduction The Brazilian vectorial ‘control’ is characterized by the intensive use of pesticides (agrotoxics), such as organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, benzoylureas; some of them banned worldwide or restricted by international agreements. Continuous exposure to these neurotoxic and/or carcinogenic products has resulted in damage to the health of Endemic Workers, leading to a process of illness and deaths. Thus, because they have chronic diseases and are immunocompromised, due to exposure to agrotoxics, this population is more susceptible to COVID-19, a situation that is aggravated by workplaces and working conditions, which place them at risk, due to frequent circulation and the need for entry into residences.

Method This descriptive study was part of a multicenter research with Endemic Workers from the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To investigate the work during the pandemic we used an online questionnaire, structured with open and closed questions.

Results Preliminary results from the 140 responses to the questionnaire demonstrate that: 78% of the Endemic Workers reported diagnosed disease and from these, 70% had comorbidities. The most frequent are hypertension (49%), diabetes (22%), respiratory problems (22%) and malfunction of the liver and kidneys (17%). Although 88% did not have a diagnosis of COVID-19, 64% reported having co-workers and/or family members with COVID-19. Regarding remote work: 2% reported working at home, 29% were working in scale and/or alternate time and 53% were working full time. Workers who stayed the longest time in remote work (five months) represented only 8%, with 31% remaining in full time presential work during the period in which isolation and detachment measures began in Brazil.

Conclusion Protective measures of the health of these workers and assisting this population to prevent the transmission of SARS-Cov-2, are necessary to implement health protection policies, including other exposures at work, such as agrotoxics.