Who can businesses screen?

At this time, the kits are ONLY for use with your employees that are frequently coming to the workplace. You  cannot screen anyone else other than employees coming to the workplace.

Employees have the right to refuse to be screened. When an employee agrees to be screened, they are also giving their consent for you to collect and report the results.

What is the accuracy of these screens?

The screening kits are highly accurate – in the range of 90 percent accurate – however there are circumstances where they may show a false positive or false negative. 

How do we dispose of the waste?

The screen pad and vial (with the swab and buffering agent in) are considered hazardous waste. Some businesses may have the ability to dispose of this material safely. If you are unable to dispose of these items appropriately, please let us know and we will make arrangements for disposal. 

How is the screening administered – through the nostril or mouth?

Rapid Antigen Screening is a nasal swab and not invasive. The swab must be inserted into each nostril 2 cm (1 inch) for 5 to 7 seconds, while ensuring the inside of the nostril is wiped by the swab for that period of time. You must watch the training video for full instructions.

What is the reporting responsibility our business has with respects to the results of the screens?

When you pick up your screening kits you will sign a document holding you responsible for reporting all results of the screening tests in your possession to the chamber each seven calendar days. The data that is required to be reported is:

• total number of screens completed;
• total number of positive results;
• total number of negative results; and
• total number of inconclusive results.

If an employee has a positive or inconclusive result, what is the next step?

Anyone who receives a result of positive or inconclusive from the screening kit MUST immediately self-isolate and book an appointment for a PCR Test. Anyone with a positive of inconclusive result cannot be permitted in the workplace until there is a confirmed PCR negative test result.

Who can perform the screen on the employees?

The Ontario Government authorizes “self” screening for these kits. However, there is a requirement that screenings are supervised by a Screening Supervisor. The Screening Supervisor is the person who watched the training video when they picked up the initial order of screening kits and received the follow up email. 

Employees must do their own screenings; no one should perform a screening on anyone else. The Screening Supervisor is present during the screenings to instruct employees and ensure the procedure is followed for an accurate result.

What is the frequency we should be screening our employees?

The recommendation from Public Health is that all employees should be screened twice per week.

Some businesses may want to test their employees more frequently because of the setting or higher frequency of close contact. Conversely some businesses may want to test employees less frequently or may have a variety of employee schedules to consider. It is the responsibility of each business to determine frequency of screening.

Do we only screen employees who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?

No! In fact, anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must be kept OUT of the workplace and must not be allowed to return until local Public Health provides a confirmed negative result from a diagnostic PCR Test and all public health guidelines have been adhered to.