There’s a lot of uncertainty as businesses re-open in this new COVID-19 era.
Luckily, thanks to the fast work of scientists and researchers, there are more preventative measures and protocols workplaces can use to keep workers safe.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, TotalWellness has worked with its national network of lab and medical partners and leading epidemiologists to develop COVID-19 support solutions for employers.
Plus, between 25 to 80% of people with COVID-19 have no symptoms and aren’t aware they are infected, making it easier to spread.
That’s why TotalWellness has decided to offer COVID-19 testing and antibody testing for companies. We also offer temperature screenings, too.
Below, we share what our testing looks like and why your company may want to consider it.
COVID-19 Testing: What It Looks Like
As companies transition back into working in the physical workplace, employers have a responsibility to keep their workers as safe as possible. Providing screening and COVID-19 testing measures at the workplace is one way to do so.
It’s important to know there are two different types of tests when it comes to detecting the virus: diagnostic tests and antibody tests.
The difference between the two:
- Diagnostic test - This shows if you have an active infection. Within diagnostic testing options, there are two types of diagnostic tests available. This includes molecular (RT-PCR tests), which detect a virus’s genetic material. An antigen test shows specific proteins on the virus’s surface.
- Antibody test - This test checks for antibodies created by the immune system in response to threats like a virus. Antibodies fight infections and can take up to several weeks to develop post-infection. Due to this, antibody tests aren’t recommended for diagnosing an active COVID-19 infection. Researchers are still unsure if antibodies provide immunity to future coronavirus infections in a person.
With our national network of 9,000 health care professionals, we are well equipped to provide testing for a variety of workplaces.
The Benefits of Testing in the Workplace
By providing on-site testing, employers show that employee safety and wellness are number one during these uncertain times. It also removes any doubt among employees that anyone is bringing COVID-19 into the workplace.
Additionally, on-site COVID-testing:
- Offers real-time feedback - This testing provides a quantitative real-time picture of your workforce’s health status so you can safely get everyone back to work.
- Updates your workplace health status daily - Secure testing allows you to gain visibility into the COVID-19 status of your workforce. This insight can be used to create workforce restart solutions that are tailored to the employees, the work environment, and the operational needs of your organization.
Employees who do test positive can also quickly get any healthcare assistance they need early on and also quarantine themselves sooner too.
How Does TotalWellness COVID-19 Testing Work?
We handle all aspects of the COVID-19 testing implementation, including providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for our team, testing supplies, staffing, sample processing, and reporting. You just have to spread the word to employees of when and where the testing will be done.
We recommend having a TotalWellness healthcare professional at your facility for an extended amount of time, possibly even multiple days a week. Employees can schedule appointments throughout the day, through our online tool, Register My Time.
What Happens if an Employee Tests Positive?
If a participant tests positive, a health professional will call them to review results. The lab will report positive COVID-19 results to the appropriate public health agency in accordance with applicable requirements.
Are the Tests FDA Approved?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized two different types of tests (diagnostic and antibody tests) for use during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are currently no FDA-approved or cleared tests for COVID-19. However, the FDA offers emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for unapproved products or new uses for approved items in urgent situations where no suitable alternatives exist.
Return to Work Strategies to Keep in Mind
As we return to this new normal, you may find that employees are anxious or apprehensive about coming back to work. Reassuring your staff that health and safety is your leadership’s number one priority can help ease them back into normal workplace operations.
Just as you count on your employees, they’re counting on you to bring them back into a safe and healthy workplace. Ensuring compliance with current CDC recommendations and providing extra health measures can make the process smoother.
We have a few reminders that you may find helpful to implement:
Make Sanitation a Priority
Keep sanitation of all personal items and common areas a high priority in the upcoming weeks. Handwashing has been proven again and again to be an effective way to reduce the spread of germs.
A few other tips:
- Keep handwashing at the forefront of everyone’s minds - Post fliers in bathrooms and hallways. Send out emails about appropriate handwashing measures, along with basic hygiene rules like covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing.
- Provide sanitizer - Keep sanitizer in high-touch areas like the reception area, kitchen, and near stairwells.
- Encourage daily cleanings - Ask employees to wipe down surfaces that get touched often including their desks, phones, keyboards, etc.
Keep Social Distancing in Mind
Increasing physical space between employees in your workplace may be a bit of a challenge, especially for smaller offices. But you can get creative with solutions to maintain appropriate social distance.
How to do it:
- Allow for remote work
- Downsize unnecessary operations
- Allow flexible work hours (like staggered shifts)
- Increase physical space between employees and customers
- Implement flexible meeting and travel options
Provide COVID-19 Testing
Last but not least, consider testing. Because so many individuals are asymptomatic, there’s not always a tell-tale sign of a positive COVID-19 individual. Science-backed testing is the only way to know for sure. Consider offering it at your workplace for the real-time status of your employees’ health.
Interested in having a TotalWellness healthcare professional in your workplace for COVID-19 testing services? Contact our team for pricing information.
