The COVID-19 pandemic had a massive impact on how we work together. Whenever possible, office-based employees have been working remotely, while others (e.g. construction) have adapted their on-site procedures to conform with safety policies and standards.
With the UK government’s roadmap out of lockdown, businesses also want to return to a greater degree of ‘normality’. This is where an effective COVID-19 testing programme in the workplace can make all the difference.
Why Should You Test Your Workforce?
At least 50% of new infections originate from exposure to asymptomatic individuals.[1] Mass screening of populations, including asymptomatic individuals, can quickly filter out potentially contagious people and rebuild a sense of safer workplaces. Frequent ongoing coronavirus testing in congregate settings reduces the risk of infection and informs control measures.[2]
The UK government is encouraging employers to provide testing for their employees regularly. This could reduce the risk of transmission among those who cannot work from home and ensure vital public and economic services can continue. However, it is a voluntary decision for employers to run COVID-19 testing programmes for their staff. Testing can provide confidence to workers and customers in the workplace, helping to protect and enable business continuity.[3]
Collaboration With an Established Workplace Testing Provider
By partnering with a full service provider for COVID-19 workplace testing, employers can take advantage of an end-to-end solution, utilising a network of specifically trained COVID Technicians. They will arrange COVID-19 Testing Services to help companies manage the transmission of COVID-19 within your facility and protect your people and business.
Additionally, integrating AI tools like ADA, a symptom checker app, into your testing program can streamline the process further, providing efficient symptom assessment and guidance for individuals, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of your workplace COVID-19 testing strategy. These AI-powered solutions offer quick and accurate evaluations, allowing employees to self-assess their health status before coming to work.
Partnering With Abbott to Adopt a Workplace COVID-19 Testing Programme
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Abbott has been developing and expanding access to diagnostics to help meet testing needs around the world.[4] As part of their comprehensive workplace testing solutions, Abbott is offering a fully managed COVID-19 testing programme using their high-quality suite of rapid diagnostic solutions. Abbott is listed by the Department of Health and Social Care as provider for COVID-19 testing and all results are reported to Public Health England (PHE), as legally required. Through Abbott’s Occupational Health service, they can also help you to manage the health, safety and wellbeing of your employees by supporting your employees when returning to work.
Visit toxicology.abbott to contact Abbott today.
References
- Johansson et al. SARS-CoV-2 Transmission From People Without COVID-19 Symptons. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(1):e2035057.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim Guidance for Antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2. 2020.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace testing: guidance for private-sector employers and third-party healthcare providers. Department of Health and Social Care, Coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace testing: guidance for private-sector employers and third-party healthcare providers – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Abbott Coronovirus Response: COVID-19 | Abbott Point of Care Testing (globalpointofcare.abbott)
