Multiple COVID-19 Tests For Workers Unnecessary: Austin Officials

AUSTIN, TX — Austin Public Health officials on Tuesday issued updated guidance to employers on screening its workers for the coronavirus, dissuading them from testing employees multiple times to secure several negative tests before allowing them a return to work.

The practice by some employers, health officials said, poses an unneeded financial burden on workers.

"We have been informed that many employers are asking employees that have tested positive for COVID-19 to provide proof of multiple negative tests before allowing those employees to return to work," Austin Public Health officials wrote in an advisory. "This practice is not currently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor Austin Public Health since individuals with mild or moderate COVID-19 remain infectious no longer than 10 days after symptom onset. Requiring re-testing places unnecessary financial burden on the employee."

Instead, Austin Public Health urges adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance requiring individuals stay home at least 10 days following the onset of COVID-19 symptoms, and at least one day following dissipation of fever and improvement of other symptoms.

"The focus of the free tests provided by APH and partner organizations is to identify new infections and limit the spread of the disease, not to re-test individuals who have had the virus and recovered," Austin Public Health officials added. "It is resource-intensive and inefficient to re-test individuals who have already tested positive."

While empathetic to employers' need for safe workplaces, Austin Public Health officials reiterated the CDC guidance: "We understand that employees and their employers want their workplaces to be safe and do not want to risk transmission by asymptomatic individuals. Following the CDC/APH guidelines will allow everyone to work in a safe environment while also ensuring that COVID-19 tests are still available for those who need it most."