New Normal – Testing Sites

A testing plan is important for all business owners. Right now the main tests are PCR and antibody tests. PCR is commonly being administered as a nose swab. The antibody test comes in many different forms some testing for IgG antibodies (IgG detects if you had the infection in the past) and others for IgG/IgM antibodies (IgM detects if you were exposed 5-10 prior and have not yet shown symptoms).

Currently Miami-Dade County has several testing sites, drive thru or walk up, that are free and conduct both PCR and antibody tests, link here. There are also several Walmart, Walgreens, and urgent care sites like MDNow that conduct the tests, usually for a co-pay or fee. There are also labs that can be paid out of pocket, and some doctors offices also carry the tests for current patients. There are several companies that will perform antibody tests for employers, but the expense may be too high for most small businesses. Also, this does not tell you if someone currently has it, but is in the early stages which may or may not make it worthwhile.

A way back to minimize risk for business owners may happen when saliva tests become readily available. This may be the only way for schools/colleges to be able to safely resume classes. The PGA has been testing players and anyone part of the tour with self administered saliva tests. The NBA for “The Basketball Tournament” currently scheduled for the end of July in Orlando, has basically created a bubble plan, in which after a certain amount of negative tests, you can enter the bubble, almost like a Covid March Madness bracket. They also have an opt-in for players that want to participate in a saliva testing study in partnership with Yale.  They know this will minimize the spread. The saliva tests have been approved, but who knows when they will be available in mass affordable quantities, not just the corporate giants.