Why Employers Are Requiring COVID Testing

Why Employers Are Requiring COVID Testing 

Is your workplace requiring COVID testing? Testing can help keep employees safe and prevent further spread of the infection. If your place of employment requires testing, then you can help the process go more smoothly by following these steps. If you have questions or need to schedule a test, be sure to check out our website for more details. 

Can an Employer Demand COVID Testing?

Some employers may require COVID testing at this time. If your employer suspects that you have been exposed to someone with the sickness or that you may have it yourself, they will probably ask that you take a test before coming back to work.

This makes sense: if you have COVID-19 and spread it to your entire workplace, it will shut down. While most places can not demand that you take the test, it would be in your best interest to take one if you have any suspicions yourself.

As long as your employer is not discriminating against you, then taking the test is alright. These are tough times and everyone’s health is important. Catching the disease early on can help stop its spread.

You can take comfort in knowing that this information must stay private between you, your healthcare provider, and your employer.

When Is a Test Necessary? 

COVID testing has raised many new legal questions. What about jobs where you never have to interact with other people? Or what about ones where you are constantly talking to customers, like a food service job? There is no clear answer right now, so do not be surprised if you are asked to take a test.

Overall, you should try to be cooperative. Your employer is likely just trying to keep you and your coworkers safe and prevent an outbreak where you work.

Can My Employer Take My Temperature?

Your employer can require you to submit to a temperature test. They may have you go home if your temperature is over 100.4 F. You may be asked to report this symptom and to take an official test at this stage. 

All employees should have their temperature checked by trained staff and the results should be kept confidential. If your results are not kept secret, then your rights might have been violated. That being said, you should be cooperative during this extra testing. These measures are meant to be fast, usually right before you enter the building, and are in place to protect you and the other people that you work with.

Can My Employer Test for Antibodies?

Your employer is not allowed to test you for antibodies. It is against the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) since it is not needed for you to return to work. On the other hand, you might be asked to provide a negative COVID test, which is alright.

If your employer does ask for an antibody test, know that you are not required to give them one. If they persist, you can consider taking legal action.

Should COVID Training be Compensated?

If your employer requires you to be trained to respond to COVID or has you take a virus test to stay employed, then they should compensate you.

The Department of Labor says that employers must compensate employees for travel and taking the time to get the test. This compensation is not mandatory, however, but is more of a general guideline.

Employers currently require many people to take a COVID-19 test. You might have recently experienced this at your workplace or are aware of plans for it to happen. We hope that you take the test for your safety. 

If you have any concerns or are looking for a medical center for COVID-19 testing, be sure to call BASS Primary Care at (925) 962-9120.