Rhode Island’s consistent ranking among the highest rates of COVID-19 testing per capita in the country may prove to be a key factor in its ability to permanently contain the spread of the new coronavirus.
But testing success outside of the workplace means little within it for both workers and owners, as this week’s cover story explains.
State and federal guidelines have consistently recommended a series of protocols to limit the spread of the virus in the workplace, including social distancing and masks when the latter isn’t possible. Testing is not recommended for most asymptomatic workers nor is it protection against their contracting the virus or spreading it once they come into the workplace.
Rhode Island-based manufacturers who have remained open during the pandemic have already faced this reality.
WaterRower Inc. wanted to get all 200 employees tested after an outbreak affecting about 30 workers but was told by state officials that would not prevent any of them from later being exposed to the virus outside of the workplace. Weeks later, the Warren-based company saw another smaller outbreak in one department it was able to contain.
The company is now relying on masks and social distancing.
For employees who show signs of potential illness, testing remains the logical next step to determine if they have the virus and limit the spread from positive cases.
But as the manufacturers learned, widespread employee testing is no substitute for good hygiene, clear protocols and a shared commitment to look out for each other’s health.