Screening is among the most effective strategies for preventing the spread of the infection. However, it is not legally mandatory for businesses to screen their employees. Nevertheless, HR managers and business owners must know that they still have the responsibility of ensuring staff safety.
There are a few more things to keep in mind when deciding whether employees must be screened or not. Firstly, office-going people are young to middle-aged adults, and many of them may carry the infection without any severe symptoms. Additionally, not all of them are vaccinated. Further, covid-19 may cause severe illness in some, though it is almost impossible to predict in whom it may cause life-threatening complications.
Thus, if someone catches an infection at the workplace, there might be some legal issues. Hence, for employers, perhaps the best strategy is to have all the infection prevention measures in place, along with regular screening. It is necessary both for ensuring employee safety and preventing legal problems.
Moreover, by regularly screening employees, business owners can also ensure that their place is safe for visitors and clients. This might be vital in these times.
There is no single way of preventing covid-19 that will work in all cases. Thus, the importance of wearing masks, washing hands, cleaning the workplace remains as relevant as ever.
Businesses should carry out temperature checks of all the employees and visitors. Additionally, there is a need to educate staff about the infection. Education is vital, considering that symptoms may be mild in some individuals.
Another simple way of screening could be using a simple health questionnaire. For example, businesses can create a short digital form that employees must submit daily. It would also serve as a self-declaration and help employees feel responsible for preventing the spread of the infection.
Additionally, all employees should install health apps and contact tracing apps. It may be especially helpful when someone is diagnosed with an infection.
It is a good approach for businesses to have a contract with some diagnostic services specializing in covid-19 screening. At present, there are two types of tests commonly used, antigen-test/rapid test that provides results in about 15 minutes.
Another option is RT-PCR, which is relatively more expensive and takes longer to provide results. Nonetheless, many labs can provide test results in 24 hours. However, it is a highly accurate test.
The rapid test is generally good for screening workers regularly. However, if someone has symptoms or it is better to go for RT-PCR, as it is more reliable.
To conclude, as the number of covid-19 cases drops, many businesses reopen, and employees start coming to the office. However, it also poses specific challenges, as the covid-19 pandemic is far from over. Thus, businesses should use regular screening and testing as one of effective way to prevent the spread of the infection.
Covidchecktoday provides onsite testing for different businesses. Businesses can book online choose the time of their preference. If they choose the rapid antigen test, results become available in 10 minutes, and those of RT-PCR in 24 hours. Not only that, but the company also provides remote access to test results in the form of electronic health records (EHR), which minimizes the chances of any error.
Rapid, Accurate Health Testing For Events And Organization