|
We have seen a sudden rise in COVID infections and know it's a concern for our clients. What do you do when an employee comes into your office and says they don't feel well with COVID symptoms? Most employers send the employee home and hope they get tested instead of only quarantining at home for the next 14 days. What if there was a better solution?
The FDA has approved many rapid tests under a EUA (Emergency Use Authorization), initially many were and are quite costly at $150 and up.
More recently there's a growing number of FDA-approved self-collection kits that can be performed at home or anywhere else. These tests can be obtained from Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Rite-Aid, and Amazon just to name a few. These kits provide a good degree of accuracy in 15 minutes at an affordable price ($20 to $30). All of which could lead to peace of mind and an uninterrupted productive workforce.
There are three types of kits available for self-test use. When clicking the FDA link look for the words IFU (Home Test) in the right-hand column.
1) Molecular Diagnostic: if you go to a doctor, this is the test you receive, and now there are a few home kits available. FDA Approved List.
2) Antigen: known as the rapid test, there are many home kits that are done with a saliva or nasal swab; BEST workplace choice - FDA Approved List.
3) Antibody: these are done via blood sample and are not appropriate for office use - FDA Approved List.
For greater understanding, the FDA provides a useful one-page HERE.
Can Employers Use FDA-Approved
SARS-CoV-2 Self-Test Kits at Work?
The short answer: Yes. The CDC states, "SARS-CoV-2 testing may be incorporated as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing transmission in non-healthcare workplaces. Symptom screening, testing, and contact tracing are strategies to identify workers infected with SARS-CoV-2...so that actions can be taken to slow and stop the spread of the virus."
You will need a policy to notify employees in advance of on-site testing, how and why it is used, and provide the employee full and clear information surrounding details about the test they are taking. The ADA further confirms that mandatory testing is allowed as long as it is “job-related and consistent with business necessity." The EEOC and OSHA also approve of this type of testing in the workplace.
You can read about CDC's workplace testing guidelines HERE. For more help talk to one of your BBSI HR Consultants who can help create a policy and plan to proactively maintain a safe and productive workplace at your company.
| 
