Navigating COVID-19 and the workplace protocol that comes along with it can be confusing, especially as new variants rise and spread within our communities. Between vaccines and mask mandates, managers and safety teams are asking: where does COVID-19 testing currently stand? Here are COVID-19 testing updates as of September 2021.
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Coronavirus Variants
As viruses age, they will change through mutation which creates new variants. Sometimes these variants will disappear but other times they will become just as prominent as the virus itself. There have been multiple variants of COVID-19 that have risen during the pandemic. As of September 2021, these are the top variants of concern:
Alpha
The Alpha variant of COVID-19 was first identified in the United Kingdom in September 2020 but has spread to countries throughout Europe. Alpha was the first variant and was previously the dominant strain in the United States, it has since been reported in at least 192 countries according to the World Health Organization. The vaccine has been proven effective against the Alpha variant.
Beta
The 2nd variant known as Beta was first reported in August 2020 in South Africa and has since been seen in at least 141 countries. The vaccine has been proven effective against Beta.
Gamma
First spotted in the Amazon city of Manaus in Brazil, the Gamma variant has contributed to a surge in cases that strained Brazil’s health system. This variant has been reported in 86 countries, but the current vaccines have been shown to work against Gamma.
Delta
The Delta variant is among the fastest spreading variants and was the cause of an unprecedented wave of cases in India. Researchers have estimated that Delta is 55% more transmissible than Alpha and twice as infectious than the original COVID-19 strain. The vaccine is particularly effective against this variant with a small number of infections happening among those who are fully vaccinated. Breakthrough infections are rare for the vaccinated population.
Mu
The Mu variant was first spotted in January 2021 in Colombia but has since spread to Chile, Peru, South Korea, Canada, Europe, parts of the United States, and Japan. As the 5th variant of the COVID-19 virus, researchers are keeping a close eye on the variant to determine its severity.
Federal COVID-19 Updates
Employer Testing Requirements
To combat the spread of COVID-19, employee health remains a top priority. The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced that organizations with 100 or more employees will develop a policy that requires all workers to be vaccinated or submit a negative COVID-19 test once per week to prove that they are healthy.
Types of COVID-19 Tests
PCR
- PCR tests use polymerase chain reactions to identify the viral genetic material of the virus. PCR tests are taken via a nasal swab and can be administered to individuals with or without symptoms.
Rapid Antigen
- Rapid Antigen tests are considered most accurate for individuals who exhibit symptoms. The test is also taken via a nasal swab but will examine secretions for protein fragments specific to the coronavirus.
For more information on the different COVID-19 tests that OnSite Health provides, check out our blog, COVID-19 Testing: The Difference Between PCR and Rapid Tests.
Vaccination
COVID-19 vaccines are widely available and should be taken to prevent the spread, illness, and death. The Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccine are approved and authorized in the United States to prevent COVID-19. Each of these vaccines are safe, effective, and reduces your risk of severe illness.
Federal Vaccination Updates
- Employers with 100 or more employees require all employees to be vaccinated or submit a weekly negative COVID-19 test. These employers will also be required to provide paid time off to be vaccinated and the recovery period.
- Federal workers, federal contractors and teachers in DOD and BIE schools will be required to be vaccinated.
- Healthcare workers at Medicare and Medicaid participating hospitals and other health care settings will be required to be vaccinated.
OnSite Health Provides COVID-19 Solutions
If your company is looking for on-site solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, OnSite Health is here to help. From symptom monitoring, COVID-19 testing, and antibody testing to case management, return to work management, pandemic-related consulting, or implementation of an on-site nursing program, we offer a wide range of customizable solutions. Please contact us and we will promptly respond with an appropriate solution.
